Stick with the incumbents? Play spinner Jeetan Patel at the expense of a third pace bowler? Opt for Jimmy Neesham over Colin de Grandhomme as an all-rounder?
Today's practice and media conference generated more questions than answers on the balance of New Zealand's team for the opening test against South Africa at University Oval.
The hosts have won four consecutive tests this home summer, winning 2-0 against Pakistan and Bangladesh. History also looms as an incentive against an opponent they have never beaten in a series, despite 15 attempts across 85 years.
Conversely, South Africa have won three consecutive rubbers since August against New Zealand, Australia and Sri Lanka under new skipper Faf du Plessis.
Du Plessis confirmed pace bowler Morne Morkel's return from a long-standing back injury, at the expense of Duanne Olivier who debuted in the final test against Sri Lanka.
"Every time he's bowled in the nets [over the last six months] he's been at his best when I've faced him.
"Morne is successful against lefties and that's one of the main reasons he got the nod ahead of Duanne [with New Zealand expected to have four in their top seven].
"Bounce is a huge factor and the angle of the ball as it comes out of his hand - it goes into right-handers or away from left-handers. He's terrible to face in the nets as a right-hander because you always feel like it's going to hit you in the ribs."
Morkel has not played a test since January 2016 but a record of 17 wickets at 20.94 in five tests against New Zealand further justifies his selection.
