Stick with Maddinson, urges Hussey

Test great Mike Hussey has implored Australian selectors to stick by Nic Maddinson despite the batsman’s second consecutive failure with the bat on Friday at the Gabba.

Maddinson was dismissed for one on day two of Australia's day-night first Test against Pakistan in Brisbane, potentially opening the door for a recovering Shaun Marsh to make a Boxing Day Test return.

The Test No.6 finally registered his first run in his second Test during the second session on day two, but it was hard fought, dropped at short leg off legspinner Yasir Shah on nought before he finally got off the mark on his fifth ball with a flick off the pads against Yasir Shah.

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The Gabba crowd gave a huge cheer, but it provided only a brief respite, with Maddinson out three balls later, caught behind off left-arm speedster Wahab Riaz.

Marsh hopes to prove his fitness in the Perth Scorchers' December 23 KFC Big Bash League clash with the Adelaide Strikers.

"It's something the selectors will definitely discuss," Hussey said of a possible Marsh return on 3AW radio.

But he said Maddinson shouldn't be judged on just two innings.

"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."

Maddinson was cut some slack after his 12-ball duck on debut in Adelaide against South Africa.

He was bowled by a beautiful Kagiso Rabada delivery - with a pink ball, on a green top, at night – but it was harder to defend Maddinson's scratchy display on Friday.

"I am not sure what was going through his head - he looked on edge," ex-Australian opener Chris Rogers said on ABC radio.

It was a different story for Australia's other new faces, with Matt Renshaw and Peter Handscomb going from strength to strength in Brisbane.

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Opener Renshaw hit 71 on Thursday at the Gabba - his maiden Test half-century.

And Handscomb struck his debut Test ton, finally dismissed on Friday for 105.

"I think it also highlights how well Renshaw and Handscomb have done," Rogers said of Maddinson's wobbly form.

"It's not just getting the score - it's looking comfortable.

"Maddinson was feeling the pressure and not playing the game he plays best."