Shane Watson is no certainty to win back his Test place despite being Australia's Allan Border Medallist for the past two years.
Coach and selector Mickey Arthur made it clear there were no guarantees the injury prone all-rounder would walk back into the team once he proved his fitness.
With Australia claiming an emphatic 122-run victory over India in the first Test at the MCG and Watson's replacement, Ed Cowan, top scoring in the first innings with 68, the pressure is on.
Another strong performance from Cowan and Australia in the second Test against India at the SCG, beginning on Tuesday, will make it difficult to break up the new opening partnership with Dave Warner, who scored his maiden Test century just two matches ago.
"There's pressure developing in every position in the Australian cricket team and that's a great position to be in," Arthur said as the team arrived in Sydney on Saturday.
"For this Test we're trying to get 12 into 11 (with the return of Ryan Harris).
"When Shane Watson gets back, we've got to get 13 into 11, and when we get Patrick Cummins back, hopefully in Perth, we've got to try to get 14 into 11.
"It's a really good position to be in. I couldn't be happier. There are no guarantees for anybody."
While Watson had some good performances with the ball in 2011, claiming 14 wickets at just 19 apiece, he was poor with the bat in his primary role as an opener, averaging just 24 without a century. And the situation has been compounded by hamstring and now calf injuries, which have seen him ruled out for a fourth successive Test.
Recalled fast bowler Ryan Harris is only too aware of just how fickle the game can be when other players are given an opportunity through injury.
Rightly regarded as Australia's best fast bowler when fit, Harris now faces the prospect of carrying the drinks in Sydney following the enormous performance of Australia's new pace trio - James Pattinson, Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus - in the Melbourne victory.
Arthur backed the current top six to continue performing against India despite another worrying batting collapse in the second innings at the MCG, when Australia lost 4-27.
"We just need to give them time, particularly our younger and less experienced players at one, two and three," Arthur said.
"Dave Warner is going to be a great player in all three forms of the game, same with Shaun Marsh, and I think Ed Cowan gave us that stability we were looking for in the first innings. He brought a bit of calmness.
"We were looking at our opening partnership.
"Our opening partnership with the bat and the ball were going to be crucial, especially at the MCG where the new ball plays such a role in determining the game.
"I believe that's the best top six we have in Australian cricket at the moment.
"Obviously when Shane Watson's fit he comes back into the equation.
"But right now, with Shane Watson injured, those are our best six batters and we need to give them every opportunity to come through."
