Australian coach Darren Lehmann admits they have considered demoting Mitchell Marsh in the batting order for the first Test against New Zealand at the Gabba.
However, Lehmann believes Marsh will be given every chance to embrace the Test allrounder role vacated by Shane Watson batting at No.6 in Brisbane.
Marsh struggled to juggle the role during the doomed Ashes tour this year.
He made just 48 runs at 12 in three Tests but took eight wickets at 18.
Overall Marsh has 310 runs at 28.18 from seven Tests.
It's a record Lehmann admits has tempted them to elevate new wicketkeeper Peter Nevill - who has a first class batting average of 41.45 - to No.6 at Marsh's expense against the Black Caps.
"There is thought about that but at the end of the day we will chat with the captain (Steve Smith)," Lehmann said.
"We would love him to make more runs but his bowling has come along.
"We've invested some time in him and think that he is a quality player."
But Lehmann believed Marsh would be given every chance to blossom at No.6 as he tries to nail down the role once held by retired allrounder Watson.
"He's young. Look at all the allrounders over the history of the game, they've probably averaged between 30 and 35," Lehmann said.
"We think he's got the ability to average higher than that in Test match cricket.
"And it's getting the experience to play.
"International cricket is a tough game. The more opportunities we get to put those younger players under that pressure, the better they'll become."
Lehmann admitted Marsh battled with the bat in England but looked forward to what he could produce in conditions more suited to the Western Australian allrounder.
"He has to adapt. I suppose the big advantage for him is that these wickets will suit him a bit more than say, the English wickets, where they're slow and seam and swing," he said.
"These wickets are truer wickets, better cricket wickets if that makes sense.
"I think he'll have success."
Lehmann is as convinced as ever of playing an allrounder after Australia did not pick one and were crushed at Trent Bridge this year, sealing England's Ashes series win.
"Obviously we didn't do it in one of the Test matches and we admitted that mistake," he said.
"I think the big thing for the allrounder spot is that if one of your quicks break down, you need that extra bowler."
Australia and New Zealand train at the Gabba for the first time on Monday.
The first Test starts on Thursday.
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