Mitchell Starc's on again, off again Test career could be reignited for the fourth Test against India at the SCG, with Australian spearhead Mitchell Johnson in doubt due to a hamstring injury.
Starc played in Australia's second Test win at the 'Gabba, but after hauls of 0-83 and 2-27 he was dropped for the third MCG Test with Ryan Harris returning to the home side's bowling line-up.
In 14 Tests, Starc has captured 45 wickets at 36.22, but his development has been hindered by a lack of consistent opportunities. He has been dropped 11 times in his Test career and has only played back-to-back matches on three occasions.
Johnson didn't train with the rest of the Australian side on Saturday, instead remaining at the team's hotel in the Sydney CBD for treatment.
Fellow left-armer Starc looms as the probable replacement for Johnson if he is ruled out of the SCG Test starting on Tuesday.
"We haven't trained for a couple of days, so I am raring to get out there today and in the next couple of days, in order to get myself best prepared for this Test," Starc said on Saturday.
"I guess it (selection) depends on the fitness of other blokes and how they have pulled up from last week.
"I will always prepare to play and I feel the ball is coming out well from the last two BBL games.
"I just need to keep doing the same."
Starc said he was concentrating on performing in other formats of the game to keep his Test hopes alive.
"Any cricket that I play I need to keep taking wickets and it is no different preparing for the Test match this week.
"The (selection) decision isn't up to me, but If I am called up this week I will be ready.
"I know the white ball side of my game, I am really happy where that is at.
"It is more coming back to red ball cricket and getting that consistency that I need."
Ashton Agar has been drafted into the Australian squad, in an indication the home side could look to play two spinners if the wicket looks like it will take turn.
However early indications are there could be a little bit of grass left on the wicket.
Curator Tom Parker has opted to use wicket No.6, which has been used sparingly for Test cricket over the last decade.
The last time the strip was used for a Test, was when Australia beat South Africa by eight wickets in 2006.
Either way Harris believes he will be there.
"I'm planning on it," he said.
"I was quite sore for a few days after Melbourne, today is probably the best I have felt, still two and a half days out I am confident I will be fine.
"I will have a bowl tomorrow and go from there.
"The extra few days (break) have helped. If it was a three day turnaround it might have been tight."
Starc was criticised by Shane Warne for "soft" body language at the Gabba. Warne has kept the issue bubbling along after taking some credit for firing up the 24-year-old in the Big Bash League.
But Starc says it isn't an issue for him.
"I haven't lost any sleep yet," he said.
"I don't have a point to prove to Shane."
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