Australian opener Marcus Harris is sure to be feeling the pressure ahead of the second Ashes Test of the summer, with reinforcement Usman Khawaja readying for a call-up into the Adelaide calculations.
Australian selectors are yet to confirm whether David Warner has overcome any ongoing issues with a rib injury sustained in the nine-wicket win over England last week, with doubt being cast over his chances to feature at Adelaide Oval on Thursday.
Khawaja has linked up with his teammates in Adelaide as part of the 14-man squad in SA, with a final call on Warner likely to be made in the next 24 hours.
Should Warner be ruled out of the match, Khawaja is sure to take his place atop the Australian batting order and join Harris in the opening partnership for Justin Langer's side.
The duo are likely to face a refreshed English onslaught of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, with the touring veterans set to begin their summers after not being selected for the Gabba Test.
With Harris failing to impress in Brisbane, amassing scores of 3 and 9*, the Adelaide Test is shaping as a critical "bat-off" between the Perth-born batsman and Khawaja.
Speaking onย Outside the Rope,ย Australian great Mark Taylor suggested Harris impress selectors this week in order to retain his place, especially with Khawaja potentially joining him at the crease.
โIn a way that probably puts a bit more pressure on Marcus Harris,โ Taylor said.
โ(First) he's got to make some runs ... (second) you suspect if Warner doesn't play โ it's an if at this stage โ it's almost a bat-off. Warner will come back in for Boxing Day for sure.