Let's pick and stick, says Steve Waugh on Australia's no.6 dilemma

Former Australian skipper Steve Waugh wants everyone to be patient with the new-comer at the no.6 spot ahead of the Ashes. Waugh urged the selectors and the management to give a long rope to whoever comes in at no.6. He believes that the cricketer should get the entire summer to prove that he belongs to this slot and to international cricket.

Former Australian cricketer Michael Hussey, who is also known as ‘Mr.Cricket’ left a big hole after his retirement. Around 20 odd men auditioned for the batting position , with the most recent ones being Glenn Maxwell and Hilton Cartwright during the Bangladesh series, which Australia managed to level at 1-1.

Not good for anyone’s confidence: Waugh

“It’s been a bit of a revolving door that position and it doesn’t do anybody’s confidence any good,” Waugh told AAP. “You’d like to think they will be given at least five Tests to prove themselves. Let’s pick and stick. There’s 10 names I could throw up. It should be whoever does well in those Shield games,” he said.

“Front of the queue are Maxwell and Cartwright … but you could pull a name out of a hat right now. You’ve got to marshal the lower order, that takes a bit of skill and trust. You’ve got to know your game, you’ve got to be flexible – it all takes a bit of getting used to. Particularly if you bat higher in Shield cricket. Not many Test players bat at No 6 for their state, so you’re sort of out of position.” Waugh added.

Waugh puts his money on Australia

However, Waugh feels that Steve Smith’s men will win the Ashes against England by a margin of 3-1 or 4-1 if controversial all-rounder Ben Stokes fails to make it to the visitor’s squad for the 1st Test starting on November 23 in Brisbane.