At first glance, Ricky Ponting admits recovering batsman Usman Khawaja should be fast-tracked into the Australian Test team upon his injury return.
But on reflection Ponting said Shaun Marsh has already shown enough to ensure a selectors' headache ahead of the Boxing Day Test.
And a big score against the West Indies in this week's first Test in Hobart should ensure a migraine.
Ponting says Khawaja's "irresistible" form should guarantee he is back in the baggy green for the marquee MCG showdown.
Khawaja thrashed 174 and 121 against New Zealand before breaking down with a hamstring complaint in the second Test in Perth last month.
"Usman's form was irresistible until he hurt himself so he will come straight back in," Ponting said.
"Unfortunately it will probably be Shaun who goes out.
"That's what happens when someone gets injured."
But only moments later Ponting - Australia's greatest run-scorer - was not so sure.
The former national captain admitted Marsh's crunch 49 that helped Australia snatch a three-wicket win over the Black Caps in the historic day-night third Test in Adelaide recently had made him sit up and take notice.
And he reckoned a repeat performance against the lowly-ranked Windies attack at Bellerive Oval would ensure the selectors do the same.
"I was thrilled for him to see the way he played in the second innings in Adelaide," Ponting said of the 32-year-old Marsh, who received a remarkable sixth Test call-up when Khawaja went down injured in Perth.
"That was an exceptionally crucial time in the match and to see him and (brother) Mitch (28 off 29 balls) stick together and just about get Australia over the line should be a great confidence booster.
"Who knows? If Shaun happens to play the game of his life down here that decision will be much tougher."
Son of former national opener, coach and selector Geoff, Marsh has amassed 912 runs at just 32.57 in his 16 Tests spanning four years.
The first Test in Hobart starts on Thursday.
