Scott Boland is ready for Test cricket.
That is the opinion of Peter Siddle, who has watched his Victoria teammate drop 22 kilograms and turn potential into powerful performances in recent years.
Boland could make a dream Test debut at the MCG after being drafted into Australia's squad on Tuesday.
Nathan Coulter-Nile, who served as 12th man in the first Test against the West Indies at Hobart, dislocated his right shoulder on Monday.
Boland, a right-armer who has played 27 first-class games for Victoria and is currently representing the Melbourne Stars, is fully expected to carry the drinks in the Boxing Day Test.
Siddle, Josh Hazlewood and James Pattinson have all enjoyed an extended break after skittling the West Indies inside three days.
None of the trio are at risk of being dropped.
However, there are ongoing concerns about Hazlewood's workloads.
If Hazlewood is subsequently rested for the third Test because of a short turnaround, Boland could be given a baggy green at the SCG.
"He could definitely stand up in Test cricket," Siddle told AAP.
"He charges in and hits the deck hard, hits the bat hard.
"He's grown a lot over the last couple of years. He's one of my good mates and it's been exciting to watch him develop.
"He keeps on working hard and that's all you want to see."
Siddle played four Sheffield Shield games alongside Boland in the 2014-15 season, including the final.
The veteran was impressed.
"But the important thing is he's backed it up. This season he's been on fire," Siddle said.
"That's what you want, someone who keeps working hard.
"He's come back stronger and he's taken wickets.
"I captained him earlier this season in a game where he kept the pace up in a spell of seven or eight overs at Shaun Marsh."
It was no surprise that selectors settled on Boland as Coulter-Nile's replacement.
Chairman of selectors Rod Marsh put Boland on standby for the first Test against West Indies because of concerns about the fitness of Siddle and Hazlewood.
"(Selector) Trevor Hohns has seen him in three Shield game and he says he's been outstanding," Marsh said at the time.
"One of the state coaches said to me 'when he bowls and your team is batting, you never feel comfortable, you always feel as though a wicket's about to happen'."
Marsh shared the good news with Boland on Tuesday morning, having attempted to reach the 26-year-old on Monday night.
It was one of the more awkward games of phone tag.
"I got a call last night but it was quite late. I called Rod back but I think he was asleep," Boland said.
"I got a call back this morning and it was nice to wake up to.
"He said `well done, we feel like you're bowling really well and if the opportunity does come we think you'll do a good job'.
"I don't think they'll rest Josh at all but if they do then I'll be ready to go."
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