Top 5 contenders for the No. 6 spot on the Australian side for the Ashes

In Test cricket, the No. 6 position plays a very important role. If the team is under pressure, the batsman at No. 6 can steady the innings and get the team out of trouble. If the team is in a good position, he can consolidate the innings and help the team drive home the advantage.

Australia has been unsure of its No. 6 for some time now. Of the many players that it has tried out since 2013, only two batsmen have scored at that position – Steve Smith in 2014 and Glenn Maxwell earlier this year.

Also, Australia tried out four players at that position in its last nine Test matches, and all of them were inconsistent.

The team's selectors and manager have made it clear that the No. 6 slot is still open. With the Ashes not far away and the race for the No. 6 still wide open, here’s a look at the top five contenders for the position.

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#5 Marcus Stoinis

Marcus Stoinis made his first-class and List A debut in 2009. But it was only in 2013-14 when he moved to Victoria that things started to change for the all-rounder. He was Victoria’s leading run-scorer in the 2014-15 Sheffield Shield season.

After failing to impress in his debut outing in 2015, he got another chance earlier this year in the Chappell-Hadlee series, where he announced himself with a majestic 146 after the Aussies were reduced to 67/6 chasing 287. Though Australia lost the game by six runs, Stoinis’ calibre was evident.

Following a prolific start to his ODI career (where he averaged 87.25 after just eight games), Stoinis stands a good chance for an Ashes berth. He has shown that he can handle pressure, can bat well with the lower-order, and is also a very handy bowler.

A good start to this season’s Sheffield Shield tournament can make him one of the front-runners for the No. 6 slot.

First-class record:

Matches: 43 | Runs: 2,386 | 100s: 4 | 50s: 16 | Ave: 35.08 | HS: 170

#4 Hilton Cartwright

Cartwright has been scoring consistently well in domestic cricket.

Hilton Cartwright’s selection in the New Year’s Test earlier this year against Pakistan surprised a few people, but it came on the back of some note-worthy performances in domestic cricket. The Zimbabwe-born all-rounder has been really consistent in the last two Sheffield seasons where he has scored heavily.

With 861 runs, he was the second highest run-scorer in the 2016-17 season. His first-class record is impressive as well. He has scored 1,476 runs at an average of 50.89 in 23 games.

His good temperament and ability to get big scores make Cartwright one of the favourites for the No. 6 spot.

First-class record:

Matches: 23 | Runs: 1,476 | 100s: 4 | 50s: 7 | Ave: 50.89 | HS: 170*

#3 Shaun Marsh

His performance in the Sheffield games could help Shaun Marsh make his case for the No. 6 spot

The oldest player on this list, Shaun Marsh has been in red-hot form. In six innings, he scored 412 runs at an average of 82.40 to lead Western Australia to the title in the JLT One-Day Cup.

After a poor series in India (where he scored only 151 runs in four Tests), he was overlooked for the Bangladesh series, but his current form suggests that he is back to his best. In fact, he has received support from Western Australia coach Justin Langer, who said that he has never seen Shaun Marsh bat so well.

Marsh can only occupy the No. 6 position and lend stability in the middle. He is an experienced campaigner and that might work in his favour because the Ashes is a high-octane clash, and Australia will need some calm and experienced players in the team.

First-class record:

Matches: 129 | Runs: 8,260 | 100s: 22 | 50s: 39 | Ave: 40.89 | HS: 182

#2 Mitchell Marsh

Mitchell Marsh has made a successful return from a shoulder injury.

Mitchell Marsh’s recent form suggests that he’s the right man to slot in at the No. 6 position for the Ashes. With 338 runs in the JLT Cup, where he was dismissed only twice in six innings, Marsh made a stellar return from a shoulder injury and has started the summer on a scintillating note.

The one thing that may go against Mitch Marsh is his Test record. In 21 Tests, he has a high score of 87 and averages 21.74. There's also no doubt about his ability to take wickets, but his shoulder surgery means that he's not going to resume bowling for some time.

If he makes his present form count and makes a solid start in the Sheffield season, he could be considered the front-runner for the spot.

First-class record:

Matches: 70 | Runs: 3,087 | 100s: 4 | 50s: 17 | Ave: 28.85 | HS: 211

#1 Glenn Maxwell

Maxwell has shown the temperament of a solid No. 6.

Maxwell is only one of two players to have scored a century at No. 6 for Australia since 2013. Maxwell has played seven Tests, and though he showed promise, he struggled to maintain any sort of consistency.

If his innings in Ranchi in March this year is any indication, it shows that he is ready to make a transition to the longer format by curbing his attacking instincts and being patient. Maxwell is an impact player, and after a underwhelming ODI series in India (where he was dropped mid-way), he will be looking to score big in the upcoming Sheffield games to strengthen his case as Australia’s No. 6.

First-class record:

Matches: 51 | Runs: 3,031| 100s: 6 | 50s: 17 | Ave: 39.36 | HS: 155*