Cameron Green says it would be "a stretch" for him to open at Old Trafford, playing down the prospect of moving to the top of the order in place of David Warner.
Green has declared himself 100 per cent fit to play in the fourth Test after missing last week's three-wicket loss at Headingley with a sore hamstring.
His fate now rests in the hands of selectors, after Mitch Marsh mounted a near-irresistible case to stay in the XI with a century while filling in for Green in that defeat.
One option for Australia remains using Green as an opener and leaving out Warner, who's scored 141 runs at 23.5 in this series.
Green felt it would be difficult for him to juggle his role as an allrounder with opening in Test cricket, having only previously opened in the white-ball game.
"It's a bit of a stretch," Green said. "Being an allrounder, it would be hard.
"Probably Shane Watson is the only one who comes to mind doing that, and I'm not too sure how much he bowled."
Watson's bowling loads stayed largely the same during his time as Australia's first-choice opener between 2009 and 2011, averaging around 15 overs per match.
Green has averaged similar stints in this series, but if Marsh was to be picked alongside him it is likely the bowling workload would drop for each of them.
Regardless, Green said he would feel more comfortable moving slightly up the order to fit back into the team at No.4 or No.5.
That would be likely to leave Marnus Labuschagne or Travis Head opening in place of Warner.
Alex Carey ruled himself out of the running, saying, "No, we have some pretty good openers at the moment," when asked about stepping in as an opener at Old Trafford.
"Anyone would be happy to bat anywhere to play Test cricket," Green said.
"You always put your hand up for selection but have to wait and see what selectors think.
"Everyone enjoys (batting higher). You get more time in the middle.
"It might be a bit tougher as an allrounder when you have to bowl your 15 to 20 overs a game and then also bat No.4. (I'll) have to wait and see."
The selection squeeze between Warner, Green and Marsh looms as Australia's biggest decision for the fourth Test, with Josh Hazlewood likely to return for Scott Boland.
Green insisted he had no regrets about missing the Headingley Test and opening the door for his West Australia teammate Marsh.
"I kind of look up to Mitch, so I'm so happy to see him play well," Green said.
"There was no doubt in my mind that he was going to come back and play an incredible game, which he did. (I'm) so happy for him.
"We have a great relationship. We're so happy for each other when one gets picked over the other."
