Five questions: Australia's ODI squad

Who will be captain?

The sanctions handed down to Steve Smith and David Warner for their part in the ball-tampering scandal has left Australia scrambling to find the man to lead their World Cup title defence just 12 months out from the tournament. Tim Paine, Smith's replacement as Test skipper, and former full-time T20 captain Aaron Finch loom as the most likely candidates. The appointment of Paine would ensure continuity between the Test and ODI teams and the recent decision to hand new coach Justin Langer the reins to all three formats suggests that will be a priority in the short-term.

Who will fill Warner and Smith's batting spots?

It's difficult to measure the leadership vacuum Smith and Warner will leave. Their run-scoring value is more easily quantified and it leaves their replacements with some oversized shoes to fill. Since the start of 2014, the duo have scored nearly 20 of Australia's 35 ODI tons along with nearly 15 per cent of the team's runs. It's a huge void and while both could return for their World Cup campaign next year, their omissions will put the onus on some new (or returning) faces. Incumbent batsmen Travis Head, Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell could be set for bigger roles, while the likes of former skipper George Bailey, Peter Handscomb, Usman Khawaja or Joe Burns could be chosen to plug the holes in Australia's top-order.

Who will take the gloves?

Although Paine is a strong chance to be handed the captaincy reins, it's still unknown whether he'll actually be the 50-over side's first-choice wicketkeeper. The Tasmanian himself acknowledged he's only the Test skipper "at this stage" last month, and Alex Carey's ascension to a national contract would indicate he's in the mix to be Australia's preferred gloveman for the World Cup. The 26-year-old Carey looked assured in making his debut in limited-overs formats during the summer and had a terrific KFC Big Bash campaign (443 runs at 49 in 11 games) for champions Adelaide Strikers. Legendary keeper Adam Gilchrist is in his corner, tipping Carey to get the nod for ODI cricket earlier this month. With Carey's batting is also highly-rated, don't discount the possibility of selectors picking both Paine and Carey in their touring party for the UK.

Will the big quicks be fit?

While allrounder Mitchell Marsh will miss the ODI tour after undergoing ankle surgery last month, the fitness of fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins remains a mystery. The pair were ruled out of Indian Premier League stints with leg and back issues, respectively, after both had big summers. Cummins has now played 13 straight Tests since his return in India last year, while Starc played seven of a possible nine Tests over the summer and only missed a single ODI. Should one or both miss, the likes of Kane and Jhye Richardson (no relation) could come into contention alongside the likes of Josh Hazlewood, Billy Stanlake and Andrew Tye.

Will Lynn be named?

Chris Lynn missed out on winning a boat in a raffle this week but the hard-hitting T20 star may be hoping he has better luck with the selectors. The Queenslander was originally selected in Australia's ODI squad to play England in January but was ruled out with injury as Lynn himself admitted it was too soon for him to play 50-over cricket at the highest level. Speaking to cricket.com.au in March, Lynn said he was hopeful of featuring for the Bulls in next summer's JLT One-Day Cup, suggesting one-day cricket remains on his radar. Getting through 10 T20 games unscathed with Kolkata Knight Riders in the ongoing IPL could count in his favour.