Mitch Marsh's top-order heroics in India have created a big dilemma ahead of this year's World Cup - and it could spell bad news for David Warner.
Marsh has been in the hottest of form during the current ODI series in India, cracking two half centuries in as many hits.
The 31-year-old scored 81 off 65 balls in the series-opening loss to India last Friday.
His total stood out like a beacon of hope given Australia were skittled for 188 in 35.4 overs.
Marsh was in an even more brutal mood on Sunday, smacking an unbeaten 66 off 36 balls as Australia romped to a 10-wicket victory with an astonishing 39 overs to spare.
What makes Marsh's feats even more remarkable is the fact that he wasn't even meant to be opening in India - and it's the first time he has batted in that position in his 71-match ODI career.
Warner travelled to India for the ODI series after recovering from the hairline fracture in his elbow he suffered during the 2-1 Test series loss.
The 36-year-old was rested from the ODI series opener to give him more time to recover from his elbow injury, and he missed game two after suffering a corked quad at training.
It remains unclear whether Warner will be fit to return for Wednesday's series decider in Chennai.
Even if he is, the success of Marsh as opener has given Australia food for thought leading into this year's 50-over World Cup in India.
Marsh's brute power is a vital weapon - and the prospect of him opening and setting a platform for Australia to post scores nudging 400 could be hard to resist.
But it's also hard to budge the incumbents - Travis Head and Warner.
Head has been in hot form at the top of the order since earning an ODI recall in 2022.
In his 11 knocks over the past year, Head has produced two tons and four half-centuries.
On Sunday night, he thumped an unbeaten 51 off 30 balls as both he and Marsh chased down the victory target of 118 with ease.
Warner's Test future is up in the air following a lean run of form.
But his ODI performances are still strong, with his last 10 knocks featuring scores of 106, 99, 94, 86 and 57.
However, if his ODI form wavers in the lead-up to the World Cup, selectors may be tempted to pull the trigger and propel Marsh to permanently open with Head.
If Head falters, then he could find himself in the firing line.
Marsh, who normally bats somewhere from three to six in the order, has taken a liking to the opening role while in India.
"To be honest, it's pretty exciting having 10 overs with only two (fielders) out," Marsh said in reference to the Power Play.
India captain Rohit Sharma rates Marsh as one of the best power hitters in world cricket.
"Definitely in the top three, top four when it comes to power," Sharma said.
"You saw, he could just stand and deliver and play the shots. He backs himself to do that."
Starc was the hero in game two, snaring 5-53 as India were bowled out for 117 in 26 overs.
