Of the hundreds of congratulatory messages that inundated Marcus Harris' phone last week, suspended opener Cameron Bancroft was responsible for one of the first.
The gesture says plenty about Bancroft's character, given Harris has effectively taken his spot in Australia's Test XI and the two could soon be locked in a selection showdown ahead of next year's Ashes tour.
It also highlights the bond that Harris and Bancroft developed while opening together for Western Australia.
Bancroft's nine-month suspension for his role in the Cape Town cheating scandal expires later this month, with the 26-year-old expected to return for Perth Scorchers in a Big Bash League (BBL) game on December 30.
Some of the Scorchers, including Bancroft, watched the early stages of Australia's training session at the WACA on Wednesday.
Tim Paine and Harris were among the members of the Test squad who caught up with the right-hander.
"It was great to see him back," Harris said.
"He said once he's back he's going to shave that beard off, so I'm looking forward to that.
"He seems in good spirits, so I'm hoping he goes really well.
"He was one of the first blokes to text me (about the Test debut)."
Harris and Bancroft forged their friendship while opening for WA.
"We were sort of opposites in personality," Harris said.
"A yin and yang thing. Bangers is the most intense man in the world and I was a bit more chilled out, but it worked really well.
"I was really happy for him last year when he was playing in the Test side, I thought he started doing really well.
"We chat regularly ... we're really good mates."
Harris and Bancroft can dream of reigniting their opening partnership next year, potentially as early as January 24 when Australia and Sri Lanka start a two-Test series in Brisbane.
The more likely outcome is they will soon battle with Matthew Renshaw for the right to open alongside David Warner in England.
"I'll just try and get picked for the third Test (against India)," Harris said.
"I'm lucky that I'm in the side. If I make runs that will probably look after itself.
"Obviously I'd love to play in the Ashes and whatever going forward, but I think if you look a bit too far ahead you get yourself in a bit of trouble."
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