Australian selectors are staring down a crucial call on team balance that will shape this summer’s Test series against India.

How do you replace Cam Green? With a batter, or an all-rounder?

Green will miss at least the first Test of the summer with stress fractures in his back. That is expected to be confirmed by Cricket Australia in coming days, once he — and they — make a call on if he has surgery.

But there are growing fears Australia’s prized all-rounder will be out for a large chunk of the series.

It also appears Steve Smith is not keen to continue opening and that his short-lived stint in the role could be over. Green’s absence will likely allow him to slide to No.4.

While the empty spot on the whiteboard might be at the top, concerns over the bowling loads of Australia’s quicks will bring other options into the frame.

There will be a heavy emphasis on Nathan Lyon’s bowling this summer as staff attempt to nurse the big three quicks — Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood — through a gruelling five-Test series.

Question marks linger over what contribution Mitch Marsh will be able to make in bowling efforts.