Have done a lot of work on bowling over last 12 months – Cartwright

Sixth batsman in a Test order, third seamer in a Test attack? Such a dual role is a tall order for any man, and proved too tall for Mitchell Marsh, who spent two years trying to fit the job description before being let go early this summer. It is likely that Australia will use the first Test of 2017 to put a new intern into the position to see how he handles the pressure: the Zimbabwe-born Western Australia allrounder Hilton Cartwright.

Although Australia’s XI for the Sydney Test is yet to be confirmed, Cartwright appears the most logical candidate in the squad to fill the No.6 batting role vacated by Nic Maddinson, who was dropped after the win in Melbourne. The only other option seems to be promoting the wicketkeeper Matthew Wade into the top six, which would be a bold move considering he is yet to reach double figures since returning to the side.

And so Cartwright can reasonably expect to become the 450th man to play Test cricket for Australia. He arrives in the Test arena with only 16 first-class matches to his name and just 15 wickets at 41.93. Not surprisingly, he considers himself a batting allrounder, but that is precisely what Australia want: someone capable of batting at No.6 and providing a fifth bowling option. Marsh’s Test batting average of 23 could not sustain the role.

Whether …

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