The Western Australia all-rounder Hilton Cartwright, who scored just two runs in the first two matches of the recently concluded five-match One-day international series against Australia, is aware of the competition in the domestic fold particularly in the first-class Sheffield Shield, before setting the goal for traditional Ashes.
After the barren patch, Cartwright did not lose the hope, as he is focusing on his improvement of the game, as he believes he could do best while donning the white national jersey after averaging 50.89 in his first-class career after featuring in 23 matches.
“The top five are pretty much knuckled down,” Cartwright told Cricket Australia.
As many as six players are eyeing to give their best performances, in a bid to make things further complicated for the national selectors for Cricket Australia (CA), before announcing the much-awaited squad for the home-based Magellan Ashes.
Owing to the stiff competition, just like other players, the Harare-born batting all-rounder Cartwright has set his primary focus on Shield tournament to score the bulk of runs for the WA.
“But that No.6 spot for all the guys who have had a couple of good seasons – there’s every chance they can (fetch) that spot (if they) get an opportunity,” Cartwright admitted.
The 25-year-old Cartwright is further hopeful of being a strong contender at the No.6 alongside Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Marsh and Moises Henriques if he would be able to amass runs at pace.
“I want to make that my spot. Hopefully, if I make a good start to the Shield season, I can make that my spot,” Cartwright maintained.
The right-handed batsman Cartwright believes all the players mentioned above would be wrestling in the premium domestic competition to leave an impact, as he is looking forward to relying on his strength.
“I think everyone in Australian cricket has got one eye on that No.6 batting spot,” Cartwright asserted.
Pertinently, the five-match Ashes series will kick off at Gabba in Brisbane on November 23, as early rounds of the Shield would play a significant role for the players, who are deemed fit for the sixth place in the Australian line-up.
Cartwright, who is the part of Warriors, has further aimed high to come good in the ongoing domestic List-A competition of JLT One-Day Cup 2018.
The medium pacer Cartwright stated ruling out of pace portent James Pattinson for the Ashes series due to the stress fracture has further left the fast bowling spot left vacant.
“There’s also a bowling spot up for grabs, I reckon,” Cartwright remarked.
After making his international debut in January 2017 against Pakistan at Sydney, Cartwright featured in two Tests for Australia, as he scored 55 at the average of 27.
Cartwright played his previous Test in September against Bangladesh at Chittagong which further saw the visitors tied the series one each.