Tough choices must be made to get ready for the Poms

David Sygall ponders some questions that need to be answered before Australia face the Old Enemy, England, in the Ashes, which starts in Brisbane on November 25.

Haddin or Paine?

The man who took over from Adam Gilchrist, Brad Haddin, has battled an elbow tendon injury since the Ashes last year, a series in which he didn't perform at his usual high standard. He has missed much cricket of late. Tasmanian wicketkeeper/batsman Tim Paine, 25, filled in admirably against Pakistan in England. In India, Paine will get more opportunities to press his claim to be retained, even if Haddin returns to fitness. Haddin hopes to be fit for the one-day series against India.

Hauritz or Smith?

Nathan Hauritz's career has been revived and the right-arm off-spinner enjoyed a fine Australian summer last year. He's bowling again after a foot injury. The selectors will wonder whether to have Hauritz go head-to-head with England spin spearhead Graeme Swann or usher in young prodigy Steven Smith to bowl his leg-spinners. Smith hates comparisons to Shane Warne but, let's face it, having a young blond leggie waddling in to bowl in an Ashes Test won't sit too comfortably with the Poms.

Marcus North?

The Australian top five should be largely settled but what about No.6? Marcus North's form away from home has been sound but he has struggled in his short career at home. What should get North over the line, possibly depending on his form in India, will be the fact that he played very well against England last Ashes, and his development as a bowler makes him a very useful option for Ricky Ponting.

New-ball bowlers?

There are plenty of choices here. Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle should be back at full fitness. Hilfenhaus provides good new-ball swing and Siddle some good pace and bounce. Mitchell Johnson has experience, pace and left-arm angle but can be erratic. Doug Bollinger is less erratic but has less of an X-factor than Johnson. Peter George and Josh Hazlewood are exciting young bowlers in the mould of Glenn McGrath. There's even rumbles about Shaun Tait returning. Choices, choices …