KEY POINTS:
So many questions, very few answers. No, it's not the stadium debate, but one almost as complex – who will open for New Zealand when the two-test season begins next week.
Runs have been scored in the opening salvos of the first-class season but as far as the selectors are concerned, not by the right players.
Michael Parlane looks good but the Marshall brothers don't – not exactly the script Black Caps coach John Bracewell wants to read from.
At times like this, it's appropriate to cast an envious glance across the Tasman.
In one corner, you had martial arts practising, rose garden tending Justin Langer, with a mere 22 test centuries next to his name and an average upwards of 45. In another, you had Matthew Hayden, a bully of a batsman with 26 test centuries, more than 7000 test runs and an unbelievable average of 53.
All that left little room for unconventional slap-hitter Phil Jaques who, at the age of 27, has amassed 25 first-class centuries at an average approaching 60.
It's not fair.
In New Zealand there are more choices but they appeal more as Hobson's choices than genuine contenders. Former New Zealand opener and Herald on Sunday columnist Mark Richardson admitted he couldn't name a pair to face the new ball when put on the spot.
"You're likely to see Peter Fulton have another crack at the top," Richardson said, "because they will want to have him spend time at the crease and get some confidence.
"But honestly they could go any way. There are so many ways they could go.
"You could even see someone like Tim McIntosh get a shot if he backs up his big score [205] last week. It could also be a way for someone like Mathew Sinclair to get back in the team. There's just so many options."
The problem is, none of them are that attractive.
Fulton and Sinclair, fine players both, would be manufactured openers at best and the same goes for someone like Hamish Marshall.
McIntosh is a genuine opener but his last two seasons have been atrocious, particularly in 2004-05 where he averaged 4.9 in 10 State Championship innings. Last season was slightly better, averaging 21.6 in 10 innings, with 101 of his 216 aggregate coming in one knock. His 205 last week is only 60 runs short of his aggregate for the past two seasons.
James Marshall has played test cricket in that time, but averaged only 22.5 in the State Championship last year.
With every name mentioned there seems to be a suffocating caveat.
Jamie How will be many pundits' favourite but his first-class record, though good last season, is nowhere near what it should be for a player of his ability.
We could go on. After all, Brendon McCullum has made a good fist of opening for Canterbury thus far. Surely not…
Here's you chance to have a say. Email Dylan using the link below with your choice of two openers for New Zealand for the first test against Sri Lanka starting December 7 at Jade Stadium. The results will be printed in the Herald on Sunday next week.
