Josh Hazlewood admits he's uncertain whether he will be included in the Australian pace battery for next month's first Test against New Zealand.
Despite the series beginning at his favourite hunting ground, the Gabba, 24-year-old Hazlewood is jostling for the final spot in Australia's starting XI with veteran Peter Siddle.
Hazlewood failed to stamp his authority during the first four matches of this year's Ashes before being ruled out of the fifth Test at the Oval with niggling injuries.
In his stead, Siddle made the most of his Test recall and turned in a blinder, taking six wickets and producing the kind of performance that was missing from the Aussies' fast bowling arsenal during the tour.
However Siddle's selection has been clouded by his state snubbing.
He has been a spectator during the first three matches of Victoria's one-day cup campaign, overlooked by coach David Sakar for Scott Boland.
Australian coach Darren Lehmann on Tuesday expressed frustration at the Bushrangers' selection decisions, saying he was eager to see Siddle in action.
Meanwhile James Pattinson, who was a late inclusion in the Australian's two-day red ball training camp in Sydney, is slowly returning to form in the interstate one-day arena after an 18-month absence from the Test side because of back injuries.
In Hazlewood's favour is the fact that the first Test of the summer is being played at the Gabba, where he made a memorable debut in the corresponding match against India last year, claiming seven wickets.
When asked if he expected to be selected in Lehmann's line up for the Brisbane Test, Hazlewood said: "I'm not too sure at this stage.
"There's obviously quicks going around and doing well in the Matador Cup and we saw Mitch (Johnson) and Sidds bowling today (in camp) so there's plenty of opportunity as well as competition for fast bowling spots."
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