Australia's top-order selection headache has turned into a migraine after Marcus Harris again failed to lock up his future in the fourth Test.
Just two days after Usman Khawaja made his case to keep his spot with a first-innings century, Harris went for 27 in the second innings at the SCG.
The opening spot is now one of several issues facing selectors for Hobart, with Josh Hazlewood still injured but Jhye Richardson fit again.
But most of the interest will surround the top of the order.
Khawaja admitted after his first-innings century that he expected to be left out for the series finale, with Travis Head returning from COVID-19 at No.5.
But after four Tests this summer, Harris is yet to lock up his spot.
While his first-innings 76 in Melbourne impressed, his 38 and 27 in Sydney now means his record from 14 Tests is three half-centuries without a century.
Selectors made clear at the start of the summer they wanted to give him a run at the top of the order, but he has since offered plenty of starts without a big score.
Khawaja's record at the top is impressive in comparison.
As an opener he averages 95.6, while Will Pucovski has also declared he wants to be considered again for the March tour of Pakistan.
Australia coach Justin Langer admitted after play on day three Khawaja's first-innings 137 had left selectors with a headache.
"Usman Khawaja's hundred was absolutely sublime ... it gives us plenty to think about," coach Justin Langer said.
"It was the same when Scotty Boland played so well and we thought Josh Hazlewood was coming back into the team.
"They're nice problems to have. I know it sounds like a cliche, but it actually is.
"We've made some pretty good calls so far I think, so hopefully we'll do the same in Hobart as well."
Boland also forms part of the selectors' headaches.
Team officials confirmed on Saturday that Hazlewood would not head to Hobart for Friday's fifth Test after injuring his side at the Gabba.
Selectors and medicos agreed Hazlewood should focus on returning in the ensuing ODI series against New Zealand, rather than rush back for the dead rubber.
The news is better for fellow paceman Richardson, who has missed the past two Tests through injury but could soon have the pink ball in his hands.
Richardson took a five-wicket haul to win Australia the last day-night Test in Adelaide, but has sat out with leg soreness since then.
In his place Boland claimed incredible figures of 6-7 in the second innings at the MCG, as well as 4-36 in Sydney as England were all out for 294 in reply to 8(dec)-416.
Boland's return of 11 wickets at 8.27 is now the lowest of anyone with a minimum of 10 Test scalps, but selectors must now make a call between him and Richardson for Hobart.
