The post-Ashes concerns that Australia would need to find replacements for three Test stars have died down, with plenty of contenders pushing their cases. Peter Roebuck writes in the Sydney Morning Herald that the batting and fast-bowling vacancies are easy to fill but the spin position will be a tougher decision.

In the absence of compelling reasons to the contrary, Australia should continue to play with variety. Certainly a spinner must be included in the party. Mention has been made of the younger fellows but they are far behind the proven performers. Stuart MacGill has the track record but not recent form or fitness. Brad Hogg has been superb in India. Unable to read his spin, the batsmen have found it hard to line him up. If anything, Hogg relies too much on baffling the batsmen and does not take enough wickets with his main delivery. It is to his advantage that the game has been taken over by lefties. Often his stock ball is leaving the bat.