Hilton Cartwright

Runs: 99 at 24.75, 1 x 50

1 wicket at 20

The Zimbabwean-born batsman was seen as the leading contender after scores of 61 and 38 in the first round but a pair against NSW's Test quality attack has put him back in the pack. Has had a few goes at international level, including two Tests, without seizing his chances and needs a big one this week in Perth. Second for most runs in Shield last year, he is unfairly maligned because of perceptions his bowling is not up to scratch.

Glenn Maxwell

Runs: 151 at 37.75, 2 x 50

Seems hard to believe the Victorian is not considered a lock after averaging a respectable 37 since his recall in India. His century in Ranchi was one of the finest tons by an Australian on foreign soil in recent years. Only fair in Bangladesh and missed out in the limited overs games in India but looked solid with twin half-centuries last week. Has tightened his defence to become a more complete batsman.

Shaun Marsh

Runs: 167 at 41.75, 2 x 50

Veteran who lost his Cricket Australia contract after series in India where he had big impact in two Tests but also five single-figure scores. Has started summer with a bang by being player of the tournament in JLT Cup before half-centuries in each Shield game. His 91 against a Test attack should earn ticks from selectors. At 34, is not a player for the future but could be player for now that Australia needs.

Jake Lehmann

Runs: 212 at 53, 1 x 100, 1 x 50

The 25-year-old son of coach and selector Darren burst into calculations with a century and 93 against Victoria but had struggled in previous six Shield innings with only 62 runs. The left-hander is capable of scoring freely when on song but there remains queries if he has the defence to prosper against international standard fast bowling.

Potential bolter: Jake Lehmann has had a great start to the season. Photo: AAP

Dan Hughes

Runs: 90 at 30, 1 x 50

Thrust into the spotlight after NSW controversially dumped Ed Cowan, the left-hander survived testing conditions to make 57 in the day/night round but threw away a decent start last time. Though an opener by trade, the 28-year-old has the shots to bat at six but also the technique to rescue an innings after a poor start. The captain rates him, which is important as Nic Maddinson's promotion last year showed.

Moises Henriques

Runs: 60 at 20, No wickets

Finished with a flurry of runs last season but a top score of 45 this summer does not scream "pick me". His bowling is not as penetrating as previous years but it's worth noting Steve Smith trusted him enough to give him 12 overs to relieve the quicks in the Shield. Although it's a batting position, Henriques' stocks rise if selectors are desperate to keep big three of Starc, Hazlewood, Cummins on park for entire series.

Marcus Stoinis

Runs: 41 at 20.5, No wickets

Outside chance: Marcus Stoinis. Photo: AAP

The all-rounder has had success with bat in limited-overs arena and though it's a different format he has shown a cool head in difficult situations. Was one of few to enhance their reputation in the ODI series loss in India, with his late hitting and useful seamers. Has not produced much with bat in Shield for a while but was solid before that in top order for Victoria. Back this week after missing last round due to personal reasons. Another whose hopes soar if selectors decide candidate must be able to bowl.

Cameron Bancroft

Runs: 197 at 65.66, 2 x 50

The West Australian opener was on the cusp of a baggy green two years ago but was overlooked for Joe Burns then Matt Renshaw. He's long odds to get gig at six or to take gloves but impressed the Blues with his competitiveness and resilience - two traits Steve Smith mentioned last year in his line in the sand Hobart press conference. Looms large in Renshaw's rearview mirror now.

Aaron Finch

Runs: 157 at 39.25, 2 x 50

The smokey in the field. Selectors clearly rate the 30-year-old as he has long been a limited-overs regular despite not commanding an automatic spot in Victoria's Shield team. Has first-class average of 37 and passed 50 twice in last Shield game.