With a blockbuster Ashes series less than a month away, we look at the early burning questions that could define this summer’s mouthwatering Ashes series.

Who opens for Australia?

Feeling a touch of deja vu? That’s fine, because we were asking this same question 12 months ago. But this summer, the opening conundrum could ultimately decide Australia’s Ashes fate.

Since the start of last year, Usman Khawaja has had six different opening partners and there’s a chance that becomes seven come the Perth Test on November 21.

Right now, the only certainty to return to the line-up is Marnus Labuschagne, with the Queenslander the leading Sheffield Shield run-scorer with 337 at 112.33 before the latest round of matches.

But he is best at three and struggled when given opening duties in Australia

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