Hughes is favourite to replace injured Katich

Katich is likely to miss the remainder of the series meaning the Australians will search for a replacement to provide some stability at the top of the order.

Young left-hander Phil Hughes looks the most likely replacement despite not being included in the 17-man squad at the start of the series. England would fancy their chances against him, however, after they exposed the 22-year-old's unorthodox style against the short ball in the 2009 Ashes – a tactic the pace-friendly WACA Ground would agree with.

Mike Hussey has been Australia's best batsman so far at five, but could be moved to the top of the order where he spent the majority of his formative years for Western Australia. And with the third Test at his home ground, the selectors may be more willing to elevate Hussey to allow them to include younger options such as Usman Khawaja or Callum Ferguson down the order.

Other opening contenders include uncapped Shaun Marsh, another Western Australian; former Yorkshire batsman Phil Jaques, who has not played a Test since June, 2008, and Ed Cowan, who opened for Australia A against England last month, but who is another who is out of form.