Hohns, already on the four-man panel, was made interim chairman in November when Rod Marsh quit after Australia was crunched by South Africa in Perth and Hobart.

He has this role until mid-year when his contract expires, with his next big task finalising Australia's Test squad for next month's tour of India. Cricket Australia says he will also have responsibility for selecting the squad for the Champions Trophy in England before his contract ends.

Formal interviews have yet to begin, but Fairfax Media understands Hohns has enjoyed the challenge so far and is keen to continue.

Under Hohns, and with firm direction from the CA board, Australia opted for a youth-led rebuild come the final Test against South Africa in Adelaide and through the Pakistan series. This approach had immediate success, with batsmen Peter Handscomb, 25, and Matt Renshaw, 20, flourishing. Paceman Jackson Bird was recalled and performed strongly while Matthew Wade replaced Peter Nevill behind the stumps.

Of the panel, only Darren Lehmann, also the coach, is contracted beyond mid-year. Mark Waugh is also off contract, while Greg Chappell, Australia's national talent manager, was drafted in on an interim basis when Marsh stepped down.

Hohns, or his replacement in the top role, is likely to have a say on the make-up of the overall panel to be installed post June. The panel's first task will be selection for the tour of Bangladesh, should it go ahead, with next summer's home Ashes series the key agenda item.

Former captain Steve Waugh had expressed interest in the chairman's role, while Ricky Ponting was another named linked – but each is busy with other commitments and would have to take a pay cut in these areas to do the role. It's believed Marsh was paid about $250,000 per year.

Ponting's long-term interest in Australian cricket would seem to be in coaching, if his decision to be an assistant coach for Australia's Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka next month is any guide.

Hohns, 62, has a history of being prepared to make the tough call. He had initially been a national selector from 1993 until 2006, including a decade as chairman.

During this time, the Test team won a record 16 straight matches and claimed the 1999 and 2003 World Cups in a golden era. He also ended the careers of Ian Healy and Mark Waugh, stripped Steve Waugh of the one-day captaincy and his spot in the team, and gave Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer and Adam Gilchrist the opportunities they needed. He rejoined the panel in May, 2014.

Hohns also presided over Australia's breakthrough Test series win in India in 2004, which came despite Ponting missing the opening three Tests because of injury.

As they prepare for their latest sojourn to the sub-continent, Lehmann has made it clear players prepared to "grind it out" when circumstances dictate will be looked upon favourably, for skill – just as much as application – will be needed on pitches expected to take considerable turn.

"We may have to play a little bit differently, that's OK. We might have to grind it out and there's nothing wrong with that," Lehmann said.

Australia have been criticised for maintaining an aggressive ethos on the sub-continent at times when greater patience was required.

Planning is advanced for the tour, but several spots are likely to be heavily debated. Mitchell Marsh, Hilton Cartwright and James Faulkner are jostling for the fast-bowling all-rounder's role, while Adam Zampa and youngster Mitchell Swepson – the latter with the support of Shane Warne – are battling for a leg-spinning spot.