Victorian batter Jonathan Merlo on his pursuit to be a Shield opener

A shift to the top of the order has unlocked a new opportunity for Jonathan Merlo and he intends to take it with both hands as he chases a new role in the Victorian side.

Jonathan Merlo celebrates making his half century against South Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

Jonathan Merlo is determined to “force the hand” of selectors.

Merlo has shifted to opening the batting this season, recognising more opportunity at top of Victoria’s order after the departures of Will Pucovski and Nic Maddinson.

The new role has lit a fire in the 25-year-old who has already scored two centuries and three fifties at the top this year for St Kilda and Victoria’s Second XI.

Merlo’s form was rewarded with an opportunity to open for the Vics in a Shield match against South Australia.

He was pushed out when Test hopeful Marcus Harris returned from Australia A duties but he is driven to “pile on the runs” and get back in.

Merlo. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

“I think over the last couple of the years I have cemented a bit of a spot in the white-ball … I want to be the opener for Victoria in Sheffield Shield cricket,” Merlo said.

“I have been around a long time now but I haven’t played that many games, I think it’s only seven or eight Shield games.

“That’s the big one for me that I am trying to crack into and I guess why I am determined to keep piling on runs.

“I want to force the hand and say I can make runs anywhere, particularly at the top of the order opening now, say ‘pick me’ basically.

“That’s the goal for me, I want to play continuous and back-to-back games for Victoria because I truly believe if given an extended chance I will grab it.”

Merlo has averaged nearly 60 across his past two grade cricket seasons for St Kilda, scoring four tons and six half-centuries.

He thinks improved maturity has contributed to the strong run of form.

“I think over the last couple of years in particular I have matured a lot in terms of the way I bat,” he said.

Merlo (R) and Ashley Chandrasinghe walk off together for lunch. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

“I have sort of said for the last few years now to selectors and coaches that I truly believe I am one of the only boys who can bat from one to seven.

“I have really have tried to push that to be that next batter in I can make runs in any position, putting my hand up to say I am selectable in any position and when the time comes, I can bat anywhere for you.

“It’s maybe been a little bit of a shock to some degree (the amount of early runs as an opener) but I am pretty confident with how I am going about things with my batting.”

While Merlo has been in form at the top of the order, he was also in the runs for the Vics at No.6 in a one-day match earlier this month.

He smacked 78 off just 71 balls and put on 132 runs in tandem with centurion Peter Handscomb.

Merlo on the drive for the Saints. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Merlo jokes he’s the only batter in the world to bat at the top against the red ball and in the middle order against the white ball but says the roles have helped each other.

“I think before I was trying to expand on my game a bit too much where now, with the help of opening in red ball, I have my base and then it’s a slight extension when I bat at six for Victoria,” he said.

“It doesn’t mean I have to play huge shots, I have just tried to stay with my strengths and I think it’s actually helped my white ball more having that defence.”