Alex Carey's spot at this year's World Cup will come under scrutiny after he was run out for the fourth time this Big Bash League season, continuing his lean summer.
Carey again looked down on confidence when he was caught out of his crease by Jack Edwards to be dismissed for four during the Adelaide Strikers' eight-wicket loss to the Sydney Sixers at the SCG.
The Australian limited overs keeper was guilty of throwing away his wicket away after yet another mix up with Jake Weatherald, putting his form firmly in the spotlight.
After guiding the ball to backward point, he took off down the pitch, despite neither he nor his opening partner making a call.
He has now been caught short of his crease in four of his nine innings this BBL.
This BBL he has averaged just 24.88 - half of what he did during his breakout 2017-18 season (49.22) when he was the competition's second highest run scorer.
After hitting just 47 runs (at an average of 15.66) in the three-match ODI series against India, his place in the Australian one-day side could come under pressure unless he can find form.
"It's devastating. Him and Weathers have a little issue at the moment, which they're trying to work on," Strikers teammate Peter Siddle said.
"You're trying to set a good total and get a good start and try to put pressure on the fielders and it's cost them a little bit."
He will have a chance to prove he belongs on the plane to the World Cup during Australia's one-day series against India and Pakistan.
His form slump comes at a time when former Australian keeper Matthew Wade continues to pile on the runs, having hit 399, including four half-centuries, at a average of 39.90 this BBL.
Peter Handscomb also has the ability to stand behind the stumps while Sixers emerging star Josh Philippe has also been floated as a bolter.
Carey said he was hungry to retain his spot at the top of the Australian order, even with David Warner's impending return from suspension.
"Obviously I didn't get the output I would have liked (during the India series)," Carey said on Tuesday prior to the Strikers' loss to the Sixers.
"A couple of starts which is pleasing. To push through and get a couple of scores would have been nice.
"To get a feel for the first 10 overs in an ODI was a really good experience. Hopefully I get more of an opportunity at the top of the order."
