National selectors are nursing the same headache they will be dealing with for the entire World Cup: the make-up of Australia’s pace attack.
Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson will play every game in the tournament, barring injury or enforced rest.
Presuming both tackle Afghanistan in Perth on Wednesday, just one pace spot in the XI is up for grabs, with both Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins pressing strong claims.
Hazlewood excelled in the Test series against India and the recent ODI tri-series featuring England and India.
However, the 24-year-old was lacking his characteristic control in Australia’s tournament opener against England.
Hazlewood was dropped for Cummins, who was held back throughout summer to ensure he’d be ready for the World Cup after more than three years of serious injury setbacks.
Cummins conceded the winning runs in Saturday’s one-wicket loss to New Zealand in Auckland, where Kane Williamson hammered him for a six.
But the speedster claimed two wickets on World Cup debut including the all-important scalp of Blackcaps captain Brendon McCullum.
“He bowled quick and bowled well,” Starc said of Cummins.
“He changed his plans really well (to dismiss McCullum).
“It was his first game of the tournament and he’s bowled really well.”
Starc suggested he didn’t want to be rested this week, but admitted recovery would be key after travelling from Auckland to Perth.
James Faulkner’s imminent return will be another quandary for selectors.
Allrounder Faulkner suffered a side strain at the WACA a month ago, but could be available for Wednesday’s clash with Afghanistan.
“No idea,” Starc said on Sunday, giving little away about Faulkner’s fitness.
Faulkner has been batting in the nets for over a fortnight and started bowling in Auckland.
The Tasmanian, who boasts an incredible record of closing out games with the bat, is expected to return to the XI when he is fit.
If he does, it means Mitch Marsh or Shane Watson is likely to be squeezed out.
Starc suggested the squad were not dwelling on their woeful batting collapse of 8-26 at Eden Park.
“We didn’t deserve to win,” Starc said.
“I’m not thinking about last night, I’m thinking about the game on Wednesday.”
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