Joe Burns will make his Test debut on Boxing Day, with national selectors blooding a batsman who coach Darren Lehmann has long held in high regard.
Queenslander Burns is set to replace injured allrounder Mitch Marsh in the XI that defeated India by four wickets in the second Test when Australia attempts to claim a series victory in the third Test at the MCG from Friday.
Shane Watson impressed Lehmann as he sent down 27.4 overs during the Gabba Test, empowering selectors to shore up Australia's batting order instead of picking another allrounder.
Lehmann acknowledged veteran batsmen Ed Cowan and Adam Voges' stellar starts to the Sheffield Shield season, but suggested the 25-year-old Burns trumped them on two counts.
"You're always trying to look ahead when you can, but you're still living in the moment," Lehmann said on Sunday.
"We think he's the best man.
"He can fit anywhere from one to six (in the batting order).
"He gives us a little bit more flexibility compared to the other two ... and it's a chance to play a guy who is young."
Lehmann was appointed Queensland coach in 2011, with Burns making a distinct impression.
"When I saw him play, I thought he could really play at the next level," Lehmann said.
"It's taken him a while, he's had some ups and downs like all players do.
"Now he's put his name up at the right time."
Burns made a ton on Shield debut and boasts a first-class average of 42.54.
It was the right-hander's knock of 183 against NSW at the Gabba on November 16 that strengthened his case for selection.
"Trevor Hohns and Mark Waugh saw that and were very impressed," Lehmann said.
"We think he's got something about him ... hopefully he offers runs, first and foremost.
"He's a good young kid. A cricket nuffie, which we love.
"He's a very aggressive player, which is always good to see. That's the way we like to play."
Burns' place in the order is yet to be decided, but Watson could potentially be demoted to No.6 given his increased bowling load.
"Watson bowled really well .. bowled a lot more overs than normal, which was great to see," Lehmann said of the allrounder, who hasn't sent down so many overs during a Test in over two years.
"Expect him to do the same in Melbourne."
Australia, bidding for an MCG victory that will ensure they reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, are likely to make two changes.
Ryan Harris, who missed the second Test due to a quad strain, bowled in the nets on Sunday and is expected to return to the XI at the expense of Mitchell Starc.
Lehmann was "pretty confident" David Warner would be ok to play in Melbourne despite being stuck on the thumb amid Australia's sputtering run chase at the Gabba.
"Last night it was just bruised, so hopefully it pulls up all right," he said.
Marsh, who strained his hamstring on day one in Brisbane, will fly with the team to Melbourne and Lehmann was upbeat he would be available for the final clash of the four-Test series in Sydney.
"We certainly don't want to take any risks on players," Lehmann said.
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