QUESTIONS OF SUMMER

So we're off and away with another Australian summer of cricket, with not quite the anticipation of some series of recent years.

As usual, it raises questions as to what lies ahead:

* Will the West Indies put up a decent fight? A: Be very concerned when hype dominates the build-up to a series. A flying start by either team can make or break a Test match.

* Will Shane Watson open the batting for the entire series? A: Yes, but the selectors are champing at the bit to find a fall guy in the middle order to reshuffle the order.

* Will Philip Hughes find his way into the team? A: Yes, but not until the following series against Pakistan. Hughes needs to score heavily for a few weeks to present an irrestistable case to the selectors. Then he'll be in, at the top of the order with Simon Katich.

* So who will be the fall guy to make way for Hughes? A: Expect to see Marcus North bowling lots of overs with his spin, making Nathan Hauritz expendable as the fourth specialist bowler. That way Watson slides into the lower middle order.

* Anyone else on the skids? A: Mike Hussey, clearly, needs to score early and consistently. His spot is under real scrutiny. As is Michael Clarke's fitness. Should his frail back falter, both Hussey and Hauritz would win a reprieve.

* Any chance we'll see Jason Krejza in the Test team? A: He is another player in waiting. Double pressure for Hauritz to perform. Expect to see Krejza in the baggy green against Pakistan.

* How about the Australian quicks -- Johnston, Siddle and Hilfenhaus to stick together? A: Hilfenhaus is under pressure. He did well in South Africa and England, but the hard Australian wickets are different. If Hilfenhaus struggles, don't be surprised to see a young bolter from around the Shield ranks being elevated.

* His name? A: Give me a break, I don't have all the answers.

* So who will win the series? A: Australia 2-1.

Let's find out. I'm off to settle in for the first ball.