PERTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 08: Josh Inglis of Western Australia takes a return throw during the Marsh One Day Cup match between Western Australia and Tasmania at the WACA on April 08, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
In the wake of Tim Paine taking a break from all forms of cricket, talk has now turned to who will replace him behind the stumps. The debate was already well underway, given Paine is 36 and nearing the end of his career.
The bombshell news has accelerated those discussions and Cricket Australia now faces a tough choice, with no clear standout having emerged in the past 18 months to claim his spot as Australia's premier wicketkeeper.
With Pat Cummins announced as the new Test Captain, Australia will start the Ashes both with a new skipper and gloveman.
With so much on the line, the pressure is on Cricket Australia to get it right.
We assess the top candidates to fill the vacancy.
The frontrunner for the position, Carey has had strong support for a while now. An accomplished batsman and gloveman, his leadership qualities are what separates him from the others.
The question marks remain about his ability to keep up to spin, and to bat with the lower order. As an aggressive batsman, Carey may have to prove he can dig in with the tail.
On top of that, with Nathan Lyon so valuable as a spin option on Australian soil, Carey would need to get his confidence up ahead of this Ashes series. His form is also a big question mark.
He's failed to make a score in the double digits in any of his last six outings at Shield level. Despite all that, he remains the favourite.
Perhaps the best gloveman in the land behind Paine, Inglis has impressed. So much so that he is now considered a genuine chance to make his test debut.
Having averaged 73 last Shield season, scoring three centuries, Inglis has shown he has what it takes with the bat as well.
There doesn't seem to be much of a knock on Inglis other than his age and relative inexperience compared to Carey. That said, it appears as though he is breathing down Carey's neck for a chance in the Test side.
With no scores over 28 in the Shield so far this season however, he'll need to use the tour matches to push his case.
The bolter among this group.
Phillippe is not yet a household name, however his Shield form has been impressive this season.
With nine catches from his last three games, not to mention three scores over 40, he is the most in-form on paper of this crop. However, there is much less exposed form to look at and his age may be a factor.
At 24 years old though, he is certainly one to look for in the coming years.
As one of the most improved players in this position in Australia, Peirson has bolted into contention. Becoming a leader for Queensland has seemed to focus him, leading to much better work behind the stumps.
Perhaps the biggest knock on him is his batting, which can be inconsistent. A player who can score under pressure and dig deep to put on some runs, Peirson just needs to prove he's a reliable scorer.
With four Shield scores out of the last six being under 21 however, his form is likely to see him be the third choice.
A "break glass in case of emergency" option, Wade is perhaps the least likely.
Despite having played the position for the Test side previously, naming Wade would be a step backwards.
Despite being a very capable batsman at Test level, notably scoring two centuries against England in the last Ashes, Wade would not be a decision for the future.
His glovework can still leave a lot to be desired at times, but his experience sees him in with a chance. It is a slim one however as he has not played much red ball cricket due to his starring role in the T20 World Cup.