New chairman of selectors Rod Marsh has floated the unusual idea that Brad Haddin’s eventual replacement may not necessarily have to fit into the Australian side’s top seven.

Speaking exclusively with Cricket.com.au, Marsh, pictured above, cited an example from Australia’s Test cricket past to illustrate his point that Australia’s next wicketkeeper could be chosen on glovework alone.

"When it does come time for Brad to go, it’s going to be a difficult decision, which is good – that’s the way you want it," Marsh said. “You want people vying for spots and they all are.

"Let me take you back a few decades. Wally Grout, who was my idol, batted No.11 for Australia. And the reason he batted No.11 for Australia wasn’t because he couldn’t bat, it was because Australia was chock-a-block full of allrounders.

"They had people like Alan Davidson, Ken Mackay, Richie Benaud all batting before him.

"With some of our young bowlers and the way that they bat, maybe it can get back to that stage where the keeper doesn’t necessarily have to hold down the No.7 spot.

"‘Gilly’ (Adam Gilchrist) probably spoiled it for everyone, because he was such a dynamic batsman … so whoever gets in, it may be that we don’t have to rely on the keeper’s batting; maybe we just pick the best pure gloveman."

Despite the out-of-the-box suggestion, Australian cricket is in the fortunate position where such a concept is unlikely to be explored, given the genuine batting ability of all the contenders.

"I think we know they can all bat," Marsh added. "Some bat a bit better than others, but it’s not massively significant.

"It’s a combination of what they give to the team: their glovework, their batting, their presence out there on the field, being able to play under pressure – all these things count when you sit down to select a person."