Matthew Wade is confident he will weather an almighty challenge to his place in Australia's Test XI, while Steve Smith has revealed just how highly he rates the wicketkeeper's combative approach.
Wade, former Test gloveman Peter Nevill and South Australia's potential bolter Alex Carey are all in the mix to keep for Australia in next month's Ashes opener.
The opening three rounds of the Sheffield Shield, a competition that starts on Thursday, will ultimately settle the issue.
Wade's maiden first-class season with Tasmania begins with a day-night match against Western Australia in Perth.
Wade claimed Nevill's place in the Test side during the upheaval that followed a woeful loss last year in Hobart. But he has averaged 20 with the bat since being recalled.
"I'm obviously the keeper at the moment and I still feel confident that I'm going to get picked, but it's important I go back and perform well," Wade told the Nine Network.
"Runs are probably going to be what gets me the nod.
"If I'm not keeping well, I'd be out of the team right now but, thankfully, I've been keeping well over the last five to six Test matches and they're sticking with me.
"I'm confident in my batting; I know that I'm a good enough batter ... if I can get the opportunity to play, I'm going to have a good series."
Smith, having played a key role in Wade's second coming as a Test cricketer, writes in his recently released biography 'The Journey' about the under-pressure stumper's value to the side.
"A journalist once told me he regarded Matthew as the cricketing equivalent of a stone in your shoe," Smith noted.
"Although that might not sound all that flattering, in terms of the impact he has on the opposition, I think it is an accurate and positive portrayal of what he brings to the table.
"I like his grittiness, his energy both on and off the field.
"I like the fact he's vocal on the field and I like the feisty way he's willing to get stuck in."
Smith added Wade would enjoy more "success the more he plays in the longest form of the game".
"I have found him to be an excellent sounding board for ideas out on the field," he wrote.
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