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Australia are close to picking the 15 men they will entrust to defend the World Cup in England this year.

AUSTRALIA'S BURNING WOULD CUP QUESTIONS

1) Who makes way for Steve Smith and David Warner?

Despite a stunning knock of 84 not out in Australia's record ODI chase last month, Ashton Turner will likely be left on the sidelines. Shaun Marsh or Peter Handscomb would be desperately unlucky to be dropped but one of those batsmen will likely make way. The only other alternative would be for Australia to take one less bowler or axe Alex Carey as wicketkeeper.

*JUSTIN LANGER SAYS: There are going to be one or two guys brutally unlucky not to get selected because they're all going so well.

2)Is Carey a lock?

Almost certainly. Handscomb kept in two Twenty20 matches in India, prompting speculation he could be Australia's full-time keeper at the World Cup. Carey has since had the gloves in 10 ODIs. It's unlikely selectors would gamble on Handscomb's glovework without having a look at some point in the past month.

*JUSTIN LANGER SAYS: He (Carey) has worked so hard on his wicketkeeping, he's starting to see rewards for that. He's done a really good job down (the order) ... he's a really good leader and doing well.

3) Will Australia take two spinners?

Most likely. Adam Zampa and Nathan Lyon have performed pivotal roles with the ball in the past month, often operating in tandem. Pitches will be different in England but key figures in Australia's dressing room expect spin to play a big part in the tournament, especially in the final stages of the event.

*JUSTIN LANGER SAYS: They're doing a really good job ... which gives us more flexibility.

4) Who will open the batting?

Warner, Usman Khawaja and Aaron Finch all have strong claims. Warner's form in the early stages of the Indian Premier League has been outstanding, including an unbeaten century in his latest outing. Returning Warner to the top of the order would break up Finch and Khawaja's productive opening partnership, which has been a key part of Australia's recent resurgence.

*JUSTIN LANGER SAYS: It's a really positive thing ... we'll do what's best for the team.

5) Will Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Jhye Richardson all be included in the squad?

All three fast bowlers are currently recovering from injuries. Starc and Hazlewood are automatic selections if fit but the latter is cutting it fine. Hazlewood hopes to return to bowling during Australia's warm-up games in England. Selectors may pick all three, knowing they have the flexibility to change the squad without special approval until May 23.

POTENTIAL 15-MAN WORLD CUP SQUAD:

* Batsmen (5): Aaron Finch (capt), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Shaun Marsh/Peter Handscomb * Allrounders (2): Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis * Wicketkeeper (1): Alex Carey * Pacemen (5): Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Jhye Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile * Spinners (2): Adam Zampa, Nathan Lyon