Number 6

[Coops93]

Agreed, but anyone who has been watching the standard of batting in Australian cricket understands that our batting can be brittle. Occupation of the crease is not exactly their forte. I'm certain that is why Bancroft got the nod, because he showed in a recent Shield match that he can actually stay at the crease for a long period of time and accumulate runs, a rarity in today's cricket.

I would've preferred him to come in at 6 keeping Renshaw at open for that reason. I know selectors usually like someone more free-flowing at 6 to push the run rate later in an innings, but given our collapses someone of Bancrofts ilk at 6 could've been a harder steadying influence. Marsh isn't known for being a stoic, fighting batsman and doesn't exactly instil strength in the lower middle order. Maybe even trying Renshaw at 6, to give him a different experience. Although I understand dropping him, I'd have liked to see a little faith or creativity put in him.

Hussey was an opener until he joined the Australian middle order!