With a little faith from selectors, Steve Waugh believes Glenn Maxwell can be a Test force at number six for Australia.

Maxwell's place in the national side is again uncertain after Australia coach Darren Lehmann confirmed the Test number six spot was up for grabs ahead of the Ashes.

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Maxwell and Hilton Cartwright were the latest batsmen trialled in the middle order during the Test series in Bangladesh.

Overall, 20 batsmen have had a crack since Mike Hussey's 2013 retirement.

And the turnover may continue for the Ashes opener in Brisbane next month with the Marsh brothers, Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Moises Henriques and Marcus Stoinis also vying for the number six spot against England.

Maxwell has failed to notch a half century in seven innings since his first Test ton in March.

But former national captain Waugh believed Maxwell could be a success if selectors stuck by him for the entire Ashes series.

"He's inconsistent but he's a match winner and there are not too many of them around," Waugh said.

"If he's managed the right way he can be a force in Test match cricket, there's no doubt about that.

"He's got all the shots. He needs to work on his mental side of his game, his concentration and his shot selection.

"If he does that he will score a lot of runs."

Maxwell played both Tests in Bangladesh but was surprisingly dumped after three games in the ensuing five-match ODI series against India.

Steve Waugh says Glenn Maxwell's inconsistency hasn't helped his case for more time at Test level. ( AAP: Dean Lewins )

Maxwell was axed after twice being stumped trying to charge Indian leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal.

Waugh admitted Maxwell needed to work on his shot selection, but he believed the man dubbed The Big Show needed a show of faith from selectors.

"He's got what it takes but he makes it hard for people to understand him because he is so inconsistent," Waugh said.

"One minute he is capable of brilliance and the next he will do something that doesn't justify playing at that level.

"His technique is good, he gets runs at Shield level, he's scored a Test match hundred — he's got the ability.

"With him he looks like a confidence player so if he gets picked I would say to him 'you are playing every Test match' and then you will get the benefit."

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AAP