(Cricket News) Australian captain Mitchell Marsh confirmed his adherence to his established number three spot ahead of the opening Twenty20 International at Wellington’s Sky Stadium, laying the groundwork for Australia’s tour of New Zealand.

As the World Cup gets closer in June, Australia’s batting order looks sturdy thanks to Glenn Maxwell’s explosive century against the West Indies at No. 4 and Tim David’s steady performances at No. 6 during the T20I series against the same team.

However, with Australia’s well-organized top and middle order, the question of Steve Smith’s role is still open. In the forthcoming T20 World Cup, David Warner and Travis Head are set to start as openers.

The right-handed batter’s inclusion creates an interesting undercurrent for the team management to work with as they get ready for the premier Twenty20 cricket tournament, as they attempt to maintain lineup balance and make the most of their hitting resources.

“We are here to win the series, but there will be certain people who possibly bat in different positions than they have in the past. I will be there right away because I have batted three for the past eighteen months. I daresay it will be the top three, Marsh said, adding that Heady and Davey Warner have been fantastic for us lately.

Marsh made it clear that he does not see his time as captain of the Australian T20 team as a tryout for the World Cup leadership position. Marsh is currently captain of the team for the series against the West Indies and New Zealand.

He made it clear that he was concentrating on getting the team ready for the tournament and that he did not see his current leadership role as a test for the captaincy role but rather as a component of the larger plan.

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