Scott Boland was unable to bag a baggy green this summer but the paceman could make his Test debut in New Zealand next month.
Boland has thoroughly impressed coach Darren Lehmann, captain Steve Smith and selectors since joining Australia's squad in Melbourne.
"If he got an opportunity he'd be ready to go," Steve Smith said on Saturday.
The Victorian, called into the squad because of Nathan Coulter-Nile's shoulder injury, is expected to be part of the touring party that visits New Zealand in February.
If selectors opted against picking two spinners at the SCG then Boland would have played in the absence of injured veteran Peter Siddle.
Pace-friendly pitches are expected for next month's Tests in Wellington and Christchurch.
If Siddle is still struggling then Boland will be perfectly placed to make his Test debut.
Siddle bowled in the nets on Saturday but was bothered by his ankle problem.
Steve Smith is upbeat the most experienced member of the current squad will be fit for the trans-Tasman trip.
"He is still a little bit sore. He's going to have a rest for a couple of weeks I think and hopefully get himself right for New Zealand," Smith said.
"I think he'll be ok.
"He felt it wasn't best for him to come into this Test match the way he is at the moment. He's a great team man and felt he would be letting the team down (if he played)."
The 31-year-old won't play for Big Bash League franchise Melbourne Renegades on Monday.
It is unclear when he will be able to return for the Renegades.
Boland is both fit and firing.
The 26-year-old gave Smith a reminder of his talent on Saturday when he bowled the skipper in the nets.
"That was a pretty good ball," Smith said.
"He's impressed me quite a lot.
"He's hit the bat very hard and bowled good areas. He puts in all day.
"He's really impressed all the selectors in Shield cricket this season, hence why he's got into this squad and been close to playing."
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