Aussie order’s a riddle

FOR perhaps the first time in the history of the game, all six positions in the Australian Test top order are being robustly debated for the first Test of the home summer.

Some by the selectors, others by former players and pundits but the only thing everyone agrees on is that there is no strong consensus over any batting position in the lead-up to the first Test against India in Adelaide next week.

Even the side’s best batsman, automatic selection Usman Khawaja, is unsure whether he will open – Australian coach Justin Langer’s preference – or at No.3 where he appears slightly more suited.

Aaron Finch is likely to open in the Test but is set to bat at No.3 for Victoria against Queensland at the Gabba today while his possible Test partner Marcus Harris goes in first.

Shaun Marsh is certain to play in the Adelaide Test but debate continues over whether he is best suited in the top or middle order while Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head and Peter Handscomb are all caught in the middle order crush.

Some say Marsh is certain to bat at six but if Australia wants to break up a sequence of left-handers against the crafty spin of Ravi Ashwin he may be best at five.

Shane Warne is leading the calls from former players for Finch to open with Harris

today but Finch’s brief run as an opener for Victoria ended four years ago and he is not expecting to open today.

“The last time I spoke to the (Victorian) coach (Andrew McDonald) it was not going to happen,’’ Finch told SEN’s Gerard Whateley of the possibility of him opening.

“I know there has been a lot of debate about it. At the end of the day it’s about what is best for Victoria.

“It does not worry me where I am batting so long as I get time in the middle. That is the most important thing.

“I have not batted much with Marcus Harris and that would have been nice but batting at No.3 or four you hopefully get time in the middle which is important before the first Test.’’