The first Test selection jigsaw hinges on the fitness of key quicks Mitchell Starc and Peter Siddle but, at the other end of the starting XI, debate continues to rage as to who should be entrusted with a spot in the top six.
Siddle (back) and Starc (leg) are both racing the clock to line up against South Africa at the WACA Ground from November 3, but it's a matter of form for Australia's Test batsmen, many of who are still recovering from the 3-0 series defeat in Sri Lanka earlier this year.
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Starc reveals gruesome details of injury
Mitchell Starc says he's ready to test his injured shin in domestic cricket ahead of the first test of the season.
Former Australian captain Mark Taylor said last week that six spots were up for grabs for the first Test, with only captain Steve Smith, opener David Warner, wicketkeeper Peter Nevill, Starc and fellow paceman Josh Hazlewood guaranteed a spot.
Realistically, the selectors will likely also retain off-spinner Nathan Lyon, middle-order batsman Adam Voges and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh.
In a perfect world, the bowling attack against South Africa in that first Test would consist of Starc, Hazlewood, Siddle and Lyon.
Warner will open batting alongside either Joe Burns or bolter Cameron Bancroft, while Usman Khawaja takes on number three responsibilities and incumbent Nevill will wear the gloves.
Steve Waugh anointed wicketkeeper Bancroft as a Test bolter this week, although the potential debutant still sits beneath Burns in the pecking order.
Burns disappointed in Sri Lanka but was strong against New Zealand and West Indies last summer in Australia.
Of those who played in the Sri Lanka tour, Moises Henriques, Shaun Marsh and Jon Holland loom as likely omissions for the South Africa Test series.
Marsh suffered a hamstring injury on the weekend although remains determined to prove his fitness in time for the WACA Ground Test.
The hardest decision might be how to replace Siddle and/or Starc if either bowler doesn't prove his fitness.
Jackson Bird and Joe Mennie wait eagerly in the wings, while Daniel Worrall is potentially the Test bolter from the blue.
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