Australia have a number six problem

It's official: Australia has a six problem. 

On a day when Peter Handscomb cemented his spot in the middle order, the second successive failure of Nic Maddinson served to highlight an ongoing problem for the Test team since the retirement of Mike Hussey almost four years ago. 

Quick single: Stick with Maddinson, urges Hussey

Hussey, one of Australia's most consistent middle-order performers this century, played his last Test in January 2013, and while it was immediately apparent that his absence would certainly be felt, few would have foreseen just how significant the breach would become. 

In the period since, 39 Test hundreds have been scored by number six batsmen worldwide. 

Of which an Australian has contributed one. 

That solitary ton was made by now captain Steve Smith against South Africa in February 2014, before the New South Welshman's run of form pushed him up the order to numbers five, four, three and ultimately back to four. 

Smith's effort stands out like a beacon: from a staggering 73 innings, it's supported by only nine half-centuries as Australia's number six batsmen (including three knocks from nightwatchmen) have averaged 23.86. 

Quick single: Handscomb hundred passes the test

To put it into context, that's marginally ahead of regular No.8 Mitch Starc's career batting average (22.96) and well behind the average contribution from the team's No.7 batsmen in the same period (27.76).

Only Zimbabwe (22) have a lower average contribution from their No.6 batsmen in that time, with Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, South Africa and England all averaging above 37. 

Smith also made a half-century in the position, while Joe Burns made a pair of them in one Test, and Mitch Marsh, Shane Watson, George Bailey, Matthew Wade, Phillip Hughes and Adam Voges all passed fifty once from fourth drop, without anyone truly staking their claim.  

The fact that Smith is the lone centurion is indicative of the most successful way the role has been used in recent history – that of a proving ground for new additions to the batting order. 

Mark Waugh, Ricky Ponting, Hussey himself and a host of others established themselves as quality Test batsmen before shifting up the order. 

Mitchell Marsh's unsuccessful two-year stint in what has become the 'allrounder slot' plays a telling role in the aforementioned numbers, with his axing this summer resulting in a return to the selection of a promising out-and-out batsman in the position. 

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Maddinson's returns of zero and one represent a forgettable introduction to the Test arena for the 24-year-old however Hussey insists persistence is crucial. 

"It's something the selectors will definitely discuss," Hussey told 3AW's Sports Today in reference to the New South Welshman's immediate future in the side. 

"(But) they've identified him as a player for the future. Give him a chance.

"He's got the talent. If the selectors show enough faith in him, he will definitely show them how good he can be."

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