Nevill and Marsh to stay where they are

Cricket365
December 18, 2015

Australia captain Steve Smith has confirmed that Mitchell Marsh and Peter Nevill will not be swapping positions in the batting order ahead of the first Test against the West Indies starting in Hobart on Thursday.

There has been talk that wicketkeeper Nevill might be pushed up and bat ahead of Marsh as the gloveman continues to impress with the blade at the highest level.

However if the Aussies were to move the 24 year-old Marsh from the number six position, it would be an admission that he is not yet the allrounder that the Aussies want and it will stifle his growth to grow in the position.

Asked about the batting order, and the potential swap, Smith said: "Nup, same order. We think Mitch has a very bright future.

"We'd obviously like him to score a few more runs and I think he knows that as well and he's been working extremely hard on his game in the nets, and it looks like it is coming together pretty well.

"So, he can gain a lot of confidence out of the way he played in the second innings at Adelaide. He doesn't need to do anything different to that; go out and play his natural game and hopefully score some runs for us in this Test match.

"If it's there to hit, go after it and, if not, maybe playing it with a little bit softer hands so the nicks maybe won't carry.

"He's been going quite hard at the ball and I know that's something he's been working on. So, if it's there, go at it and just continue to play your natural game and back your instincts, I think that's the best advice I can give him."

Australia are hosting the Windies in the three Tests, with the Hobart game to be followed by the traditional Boxing Day and New Year Tests.