Who will bat at number six for Australia in the first Ashes Test?
Glen Maxwell
Maxwell has played in seven Tests, all of them overseas, and scored that impressive century on his recall in Ranchi. On top of his skills with the bat, the Victorian has amazing athletic ability in the field which gives him all-round value which is hard to ignore.
Hilton Cartwright
Cartwright was a surprise selection for last summer's New Year's Test, and played the second Test in Bangladesh earlier this year. Is very creative with the bat and offers nice variety with his medium pace bowling. He's not a noted fielder like Maxwell but won't let anyone down.
Cameron Bancroft
As an opening batsman who has also kept in his past two games for Western Australia, Bancroft could conceivably play as an opener, a No.6 or a keeper-batsman at No.7. He scored an unbeaten 238 for Western Australia as well as solid knocks of 76 not out and 86 against the Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins-led NSW attack.
Moises Henriques
Henriques has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket but has hasn't fired when added to the national side across all forms of the game. He has had just four opportunities at Test level, all in tough conditions abroad.
Marcus Stoinis
Stoinis had an impressive start to his one-day international career with Australia, and averages 86.25 after eight games. He smashed an unbeaten 147 against New Zealand and even though he may be seen as a limited overs player, it's undeniable he has the mental toughness for international cricket. Is a favourite with selectors but missed time playing in the Sheffield Shield because of an illness in the family.
Jake Lehmann
Lehmann — the son of Australian coach Darren Lehmann — boosted his Test claims in the tense draw against Victoria in their Shield clash. Lehmann made 103 and 93 against the Bushrangers and might not be a first choice selection at number six but will have the selectors circling his name if other more high profile candidates fail to get the job done.
