Mike Hussey has called for Travis Head to move back to the middle order, with Australia's new consultant also believing Alex Carey is best placed at No.7.
Selectors will announce their squad for the first Test against New Zealand next week, with Marnus Labuschagne already confirmed as dropped for the series.
Steve Smith is expected to return to the side as he recovers from a neck injury, while selectors will weigh up whether Cooper Connolly holds his spot.
But Hussey believes Australia's best team has Smith at No.3, allowing Cameron Green to remain No.4 and Travis Head to move back to No.5 with Josh Inglis at No.6.
The Test great did concede the Head move was unlikely, particularly given Australia will want him at the top in India at the end of the summer.
But he believes that would make for the best balance for the side on home wickets.
"That's the way I'd personally go, I feel like that's a really strong middle order in particular," Hussey said at Kayo Cricket's launch event.
"Now there's going to be some questions over that. We've been told Steve Smith would prefer not to bat at No.3
"But it was up to me, that order looks good to me and I think it's an opportunity for an opener to come in."
Hussey was non-committal on who he would have open with Matt Renshaw, but pointed to Sam Konstas, Cameron Bancroft and Sam Harper as options.
Konstas has had his best Sheffield Shield run since his Test debut, while Harper toured South Africa as a back-up wicketkeeper. Bancroft would shape as an unlikely pick.
Hussey will act as a consultant in the looming T20 series against England and in preparation for the home Test summer, as well as during next year's Ashes.
Head laughed off calls for him to move down the order in South Africa, while Australia also maintain opening is his best fit after four centuries in 10 Tests since the shift.
"I don't think anyone's opening career has started better than that. India (in January) is an obvious fit for him to open," coach Andrew McDonald said last month.
"So, I think the only real discussion comes to the four Test matches in Australia against New Zealand. Where is he the best fit there?
"We'll continue to have those conversations. But as it sits right now, I'm very comfortable with him opening."
Meanwhile Hussey said he preferred Carey at No.7 for Australia, after a move to No.6 last summer.
"He bats so well with the tail, it's not an easy role ... And you are quite often contending with the second-new ball," Hussey said.
"He can do that.
"Plus it gives you a little extra respite if he's been out keeping for a long period of time."
Australia's view is that Carey is one of seven batters picked, rather than going with six and a wicketkeeper.
McDonald indicated after the South Africa tour his batting position would continue to be assessed, but pointed to the fact the left-hander averages an extra 14.52 at No.6.
