Having been dismissed by Stuart Broad for the 16th and 17th time in his career last test at Headingley, Australian opener David Warner is facing the prospect of omission nine days out from the fourth Ashes test against England at Old Trafford.
Australian captain Pat Cummins has stated all options are open at the present time, refusing to rule out the idea of axing the 36-year-old.
Warner managed scores of just one and four during the third test at Headingley, where Australia fell to England by three wickets in yet another nailbiting match this series.
The aforementioned scores take his average to just 23.5 from six innings, with just one half-century to his name this series.
Marcus Harris is being floated as the likely replacement for Warner if an opener is what Australia is after, with Matt Renshaw another name to monitor.
Mitch Marsh's astonishing knock of 118, as well as two valuable wickets at Headingley, have him well-placed to retain his spot, which throws a spanner in the selection works, amplified by Cameron Green's return to fitness.
There is potential to field two all-rounders, with Marsh and Green batting at five and six in either order; which may suit the fast-paced 'Bazball' style that this series has been swayed by, and would add even more intrigue to an already-iconic Ashes series.
The move would also result in a major batting order reshuffle for the Aussies, with Travis Head potentially opening the batting in place of Warner, accommodating the hard-hitting all-round duo.
After the Headingley loss, Cummins addressed the selection conundrum for the next test at Old Trafford, revealing Green's return to fitness and declaring a full examination of Australia's squad.
"We'll keep all our options open. We've got nine or 10 days now, so we'll take a deep breath.
"Greeny should be fit for Manchester, we should have a full roster," Cummins said. "We'll have a look at the wicket, have a chat, and work out the best XI."
Asked if Mitch Marsh could be dropped after his performance, Cummins admitted it was possible but praised the 31-year-old.
"It's possible (that Marsh is dropped), but it was a pretty impressive week wasn't it? Cummins said."
Marsh, himself, isn't locking himself into the side, claiming 'there's not' room for two all-rounders.
"I don't think there is (room for two all-rounders)," Marsh told cricket.com.au.
"Unfortunately, there's not, that's all right."
"It's important for him (Green) to be in our side. We've seen how important he is for our side over the last couple of years. We'll just have to wait and see," he added.
The pressure is building on selectors as the fourth test approaches, as England's Headingley win leaves the door open for a series comeback, in what has been a tight overall affair through three tests.
The nine-day break gives all players time to rest and return fresh for the fourth test, with Australia looking to seal the series and England seeking to draw level.
