Every batsman from one to six is a concern for Australia, but none bigger than captain Michael Clarke.
It’s been clear for some time that if Clarke doesn’t fire, Australia are cooked.
And if day one at the Gabba is any indication, Australia’s best batsman is facing a major challenge against Stuart Broad.
Clarke’s outstanding record suggests he can turn it around, but his comrades don’t inspire the same confidence.
George Bailey discovered on debut, that Ashes cricket is a long way from the flat pitches and short boundaries of a one-day tour of India.
Chris Rogers found how difficult life can be for a Test batsman aged 36.
And Shane Watson, David Warner and Steve Smith were all guilty of the cardinal sin this Australian top order can ill afford – failing to go on.
They’re not new problems, in fact day one of the new Ashes campaign played like a broken record.
From 1-71, Australia were 6-132 within the blink of an eye.
Once again it was up to the lower order to save the day, Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson’s class showing those above them how to bat.
The top order certainly didn’t do Bailey, Australia’s oldest batting debutant in 34 years, any favours when he walked to the crease at 4-83 on day one.
But it’s often last man in, first man out and Bailey is well aware the current state of Australian cricket leaves little chance for a settling-in period.
Rogers averaged 40 in the last Ashes series, and unlike the others, copped a good ball on Thursday from Broad before he was properly set.
There might be a long way to go this summer, but by Rogers’ own admission, Australia’s patience with ageing openers doesn’t last long.
Just ask Simon Katich.
Clarke holds the key, which is why his struggles against Broad’s short ball (dismissed six times in the past eight innings) is such a concern.
Not to mention lingering doubts about the skipper’s back.
Leading into this series, Clarke altered a bowling machine to help teach his body to move against the short ball.
He loaded the beast up with tennis balls and stepping into the nets without a helmet, had them fired at his head at 150km/h in rapid succession.
Despite the preparation, it’s Broad 1 Clarke 0.
And it’s no coincidence Australia have plenty to do if they’re to avoid going down by the same score at the Gabba.