The Australian batting order is in crisis, and unfortunately, there is no simple fix.
After the Darwin disaster against Bangladesh, Australia's batting line up, which has been protected by the bowlers and the odd bit of batting brilliance from Travis Head, Steve Smith or Alex Carey, is under fire.
Jake Weatherald has too many weaknesses to be a Test batsman, let alone an opener who has to see out the new ball and make an impact with the bat on Australia's notoriously bowler friendly pitches.
Meanwhile, Marnus Labsuchagne's nemesis - balls outside off stump - continues to get the better of the 32-year-old.
The likes of Head, Smith, Carey and now possibly Cameron Green can now be expected to contribute at different stages as batters and are diverse enough in their batting styles and tempos that they can all offer different strengths on different pitches.
So to put it simply, disregarding Nathan Lyon's worrying performance in his return match where he took 1-125 across the two innings, Australia needs a new opener and a new number three.
Not groundbreaking news but it's the facts laid bare.
The cries have grown to screams from Australian fans and pundits, enough is enough; Weatherald and Labuschagne must go.
Queenslander Matthew Renshaw is reported to have been added to Australia's squad, and will likely come into the side for Weatherald for the second Test in Mackay which starts on Saturday. But who are the next best batting options for the 19 Tests that occur in quick succession after? The options are not exactly that clear…
4. Kurtis Patterson
The forgotten man in the Australian Test cricket set up was arguably the in-form batter of the Sheffield Shield season last summer.
In his past nine domestic games (six first class and three domestic) Patterson has struck three 50s and three tons, including an unbeaten 173 against eventual champions South Australia.
Patterson was also one of three players to raise the bat against Bangladesh during the warm-up match.
At 33, Patterson has been discarded from the international game since his memorable Test series debut in 2019.
Currently, the New South Welshman holds the best Test average on record as he sits on an average of 144 across two Tests.
Across both his Tests, he made scores of 30 and 114 not out.
Could the Aussies look for age, wisdom, and to be honest runs, to replace Labuschagne at three?
