Inverarity backs Oz 'top-order' to be 'lot more settled' in return Ashes

Australian national selector John Inverarity has said that the Australian top-order will be a 'lot more settled' during their fight to regain back the Ashes urn in the return series, starting in November.

There are strong challenges facing Inverarity and his fellow selectors Rod Marsh, coach Darren Lehmann and Andy Bichel with a fresh fast-bowling injury crisis to overcome and pressure to settle down a consistent top six after months of upheaval in the batting order, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

However, Inverarity defended the constant axing and changing in the batting order, saying that the team is likely to be lot more settled for the return Ashes series, adding that despite the ruthless calls on Ed Cowan, Usman Khawaja and Phillip Hughes during the Ashes, all three could return to contention if they start the domestic season strongly.

According to Inverarity, by the end of the Ashes in England, Chris Rogers was consolidated at the top, Shane Watson played impressively at the No.3 spot while Steve Smith batting at one before the wicketkeeper was a real positive, adding that a player needs to make the most of his opportunities if he is playing in an elite sport like cricket.

Inverarity further said that Nathan Lyon, dropped for the first two Tests in England, should start the summer as No.1 spinner ahead of leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed and talented teenager Ashton Agar, who, he added, is likely to 'consolidate his situation in domestic cricket'.