Sally Pearson hopes to square off against reigning world outdoor champion Brianna Rollins when the Australian defends her 60m hurdles title at the world indoor athletics championships in Poland in March.
Pearson, 2010 world indoor long jump gold medallist Fabrice Lapierre and Collis Birmingham (3000m) were the first three Australians to have their selection confirmed on Thursday.
The remainder of the squad will be announced in mid-February.
World championships bronze medallist Tiffany Porter from Britain and Canadian Angela Whyte are likely starters in the women's 60m hurdles at the March 7-9 championships in Sopot, while Rollins, Dawn Harper-Nelson, Kellie Wells and Lolo Jones will be battling for the two available spots at next month's US trials.
Rollins edged out Pearson to claim gold in the 100m hurdles at last year's world titles in Moscow.
"The US trials will be very interesting," said Pearson.
"Only two places are up for grabs and it is such a competitive event over there.
"They don't have a major championship other than the world indoors this year, so I'm sure most of the girls will be running for a spot and that should make it a strong contest.
"I'd love to see Brianna run.
"She has a pretty quick indoor time and I'm interested to see how she is starting to progress this year.
"You want to run against the best in the world so that you are the best of the best when you win."
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