The Ashes 2017-18: Australia’s batting rely heavily on David Warner, Steven Smith, says Michael Slater

Ahead of Ashes 2017-18 versus England, Australia‘s former great Michael Slater has shown his concern over his country’s rusty middle-order. Slater, veteran of 74 Tests, stated that Australia depend too much on the experienced pair of Steven Smith and David Warner. He also told that Matthew Wade, who is going through a lean phase, needs to find a way to score runs. The series opener will be played from November 23 at Brisbane.

Slater told Cricket Australia, “I’m worried about our side – it still relies on (David) Warner, (Steven) Smith. (Peter) Handscomb is at five (No. 5), (Glenn) Maxwell’s got to shine. There’s a lot of interest there.  (Matthew) Wade as ‘keeper, he’s got to start scoring runs.”

He asserted that Handscomb, who averages 54.92 with the bat, is almost certain for No. 5. On the other hand, he also backed Maxwell to take up the No. 6 spot, advising national selectors to groom Hilton Cartwright and not hurry him into the side.

“They’ve got to stick with (Maxwell) because it takes some time. Not every player comes in and performs first Test.  He’s played a handful (of Tests) now, (the selectors) have got to go with him and certainly for the first Test in the Ashes”, added Slater.

Australia are currently in India wherein they will play five ODIs and three T20Is till October. Their arch-rivals, England, are involved in limited-overs leg versus West Indies at home before Ashes Down Under.