National selectors face a dilemma after Shaun Marsh combined with fellow late bloomer Adam Voges in a triple century stand to put Australia in complete control of the first Test against a woeful West Indies in Hobart.
Replacement batsman Marsh, 32, had been expected to step aside when the in-form Usman Khawaja (hamstring) returned for the Boxing Day Test.
But Marsh (139 not out) does not look like going anywhere after notching his first Test ton on home soil - and third overall - in an unbroken 317-run stand with the evergreen Voges (174 not out).
By stumps on day one, Australia were a remarkable 3-438 after winning the toss - the most Test runs the Windies have conceded in a day.
Opener Joe Burns (33) may be the unlucky batsman to miss out at Melbourne after failing to join in on the run feast along with skipper Steve Smith (10).
The aggressive Voges proved a calming influence on his WA teammate Marsh, who may have finally snapped up his chance to cement a Test spot - albeit on the sixth attempt.
Marsh said he did not feel he was simply warming a spot for Khawaja.
"Not really, I have tried to enjoy it," he said.
"I have not worried about that sort of stuff.
"It was nice to get a hundred. We will see what happens.
"(But) I definitely feel comfortable at this level. I just got to keep working on my consistency."
Marsh averages 47.10 in 24 first class games as an opener.
Asked about opening in a reshuffled Test order, Marsh said: "I have enjoyed batting at five for Australia over the summer - I feel comfortable there."
The Voges-Marsh effort is the second highest fourth wicket stand and fifth highest partnership overall in the 85-year Australia-Windies Test history.
"We are good mates and teammates so to be able to spend a lot of time together was fantastic," Voges said after notching his third Test ton.
Fears that the outclassed Windies will be brushed aside within three days may only be scuppered by rain forecast on Friday.
Voges, 36, thrashed a run-a-ball 100 - the fastest Hobart Test ton - on his way to his highest score in a baggy green to snatch the match away from the hapless tourists.
He came out swinging after the pair came together at 3-121 at lunch.
Voges took up where Australian openers David Warner (64 off 61 balls) and Burns (seven fours) left off.
They crushed 15 boundaries as Australia cruised to 0-70 off the first 10 overs.
"That set the tone for the day," Voges said.
Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican (2-111) claimed Smith and Warner as Australia lost 2-17 before Voges and Marsh cut loose.
On a horror day for the visitors, speedster Shannon Gabriel (ankle) was booked for scans late on Thursday.
