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There’s grave doubt about the captain, lingering concern about the deputy. There’s no certainty about number three. Or four. Or six, seven, nine and 10.
Just 16 days from the first Test against India, Australia’s Test team is a puzzle. And selectors are running out of time to find fitting pieces.
Captain Michael Clarke’s hamstring and vice-captain Brad Haddin’s shoulder top the worries for selectors.
If the duo can’t play, who is captain? And who will fill their spots in the side?
There appear only five locks for the series opener at the Gabba starting December 4 – opening bats David Warner and Chris Rogers, Steve Smith, pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson and spinner Nathan Lyon.
Beyond that, it’s a guess.
Shane Watson should return. But will he bat at three? Or four? Or even six?
Will Tasmanian batsman Alex Doolan earn a recall after being dumped one Test ago?
What about fringe dweller Phil Hughes? Does he merit another crack in a batting slot outside of his preferred opening position?
If Watson returns, what does that mean for allrounder Mitch Marsh, who impressed batting six on debut last Test?
Haddin’s troublesome shoulder has raised the hopes of wicketkeepers Chris Hartley and Matthew Wade and the seemingly forgotten Tim Paine. Any could yet be listed as Australia’s number seven.
Tearaway Johnson, the international cricketer of the year, will follow at number eight. He’ll take the new ball – but who with?
Will proven campaigner Ryan Harris prove he’s Test-ready after seven months out and playing just two Sheffield Shield games?
Has leftarmer Mitchell Starc, himself just recovered from a calf complaint, done enough?
And what about Peter Siddle, whose calendar year has returned 51 Test wickets at the mediocre average of 53.70.
Will selectors punt the struggling seamer and gamble on the untested likes of South Australia’s Shield destroyer Chadd Sayers or emerging NSW quick Josh Hazlewood?
Tweaker Nathan Lyon seems a safe bet, even though his recent returns are worse than Siddle’s – the offpiner has 39 Test wickets at a worrisome average of 61.50 this year.
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