Six and in: the players whose Sheffield Shield form could earn them the number 6 spot for Australia

With this morning heralding the beginning of the Sheffield Shield for another year and the first Ashes test against England clearly in sight; it seems apt to consider the players for whom this Shield competition could be the most important of their career. I am of course referring to those players who are in the frame to earn a baggy green at some point in the Ashes series which begins on 21 November at the Gabba. With England’s recent comprehensive series victory on home soil, changes to the Australian side are inevitable, with the number 6 position in the batting line up the subject of unmatched media attention. Without further ado, I present the candidates whose Shield form could earn them selection…

Matthew Wade

The Victorian captain’s stunning form with the bat in the recent Ryobi Cup competition has many calling for him to be installed as a specialist batsman in the contentious number 6 position in the order, of course foregoing the gloves to Brad Haddin. The shortish 170cm left hand batsman and possessor of a test average of a shave under 35 is certainly well and truly in the mix for the first test, assuming his shield performance is satisfactory.

David Warner

Is there a more destructive force at the top of a batting order than Dave Warner? A man who just about single-handedly led the NSW Blues to the Ryobi Cup final on the back of consecutive hundreds, including an extraordinary 197 against Victoria in the semi-final. Warner lost his test spot a matter of months ago due to behavioural issues and until recently was written off in the hunt for reclaiming his baggy green. However, his stunning recent form has prompted a call for his reinstatement to an Aussie side which could use a game changer, which he certainly represents. If Warner can continue his impressive form in the Sheffield Shield he could find himself atop the order at the Gabba.

Usman Khawaja (QLD) 

Another player who has been a shining light for his side in the limited overs competition, Khawaja has already tasted test cricket, however his batting average stands at a less than encouraging 25. He will feature in the recently announced Australia A side who will face England at Bellerive Oval on November 6. This is somewhat of an audition for the ex-NSW batsman who will be looking to earn a spot in the first test and not relinquish it. The selectors will certainly have their eye on him.

Michael Klinger (SA)

Has there been a more consistent performer in Australian one day domestic cricket in the past decade than Michael Klinger? A mainstay in the Australia A side, it is a wonder that Klinger has never managed to crack into the test side. However, a good run of substantial innings in this year’s Shield competition could finally see him notch the baggy green which he has so dearly craved. Usually an opener, there is no doubt that Klinger would happily take up number 6 in the order if he were tasked with it.

George Bailey (TAS)

The standout performer and captain of Australia’s recent One Day International series in India, Bailey represents an option who has exceled in the shorter formats of the game but has largely been ineffective in the 4 and 5 day forms. The 31 year old averages 38 in first class cricket has firmed as favourite for the number six spot after convincing selectors of his aptitude with the bat despite a largely unimpressive Shield past. As things stand, Bailey will line up for Australia in the first test at the Gabba, and could even find himself captain should Michael Clarke’s back injury force him out of the match. Only time will tell if Bailey can cut it at the highest level, he is certainly not getting any younger and this could represent his final chance to break into the test team.

That’s the Rosey Wrap on the contenders for Australia’s number six position in the batting order,

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten