Aussies look to tweak the order

MITCHELL Marsh could drop down the order as Australia looks to fine-tune its assault on an Asian breakthrough.

Captain Tim Paine has revealed team hierarchy has discussed shuffling the top six. If a decision is made to change the order, it would appear likely SA’s one-game star Travis Head might leapfrog Marsh to No. 4 for the deciding battle against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.

Paine believes his side will take momentum from its stirring draw in Dubai.

Not since beating Sri Lanka in 2011 has an Australian team won a Test series in Asia, with failed results against Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and the Sri Lankans in that time.

Matt Renshaw has again been left out, with Marnus Labuschagne getting another chance to nail down his spot.

Marsh’s place is safe after a huge Ashes and start to the South African tour, as well as promotion to vice-captain.

But it would appear team powerbrokers have felt the need to discuss whether No. 4 is too high for a batsman averaging 26.86 in Tests.

Paine said Australia re- mained open to playing three quicks on a green deck, but dropping second spinner Jon Holland for seamer Michael Neser still seems unlikely.

“Again, we’ll come tomorrow and make a call on the team and batting order probably,” Paine said.

“Looking at that pitch now, if that was in Australia, you would be playing three fast bowlers. But with the heat around the next 24 hours, I’m sure it’ll change pretty quickly.”

Batting coach Graeme Hick threw his support behind Marsh brothers Mitchell and Shaun.