Usman Khawaja may only have a pair of Big Bash League games to show his hamstring is ready for a Boxing Day return.
Khawaja tweaked his left hamstring in the field on day two of Australia's second Test against New Zealand.
Scans confirmed a moderate strain, meaning he will miss next week's inaugural day-night Test and the first Test against the West Indies in Hobart.
Khawaja and Cricket Australia both believe the talented batsman, who scored tons against New Zealand at the Gabba and WACA, can return for the Boxing Day Test.
However, the lack of first-class cricket will make it harder to properly gauge Khawaja's fitness next month.
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The mid-season Sheffield Shield break starts soon, ensuring the BBL has centre stage during school holidays.
It means Khawaja's competitive return is likely to come in a Twenty20 fixture with the Sydney Thunder.
"We've got no Shield game so it probably does have to be Big Bash," coach Darren Lehmann said.
The Thunder's only BBL games before Boxing Day are on December 17 and 20.
Khawaja has suffered two hamstring injuries this season and Lehmann made it clear he wants the 28-year-old to be match fit before he plays a Test.
"He's got to get fit and strong and faster first and make sure we don't have another injury," he said.
"He's had some injuries over the last 12-18 months, now he's got to get back to full fitness.
"We want him to play some cricket before he comes under selection (consideration) again."
Khawaja shapes as an automatic recall once he recovers, although the selection picture could get complicated if Shaun Marsh has a productive stint in the national side.
Marsh noted he felt for Khawaja.
"It's obviously disappointing for Uzzy, getting injured," Marsh said.
"He's batted so well in the first two Tests.
"For me it's an opportunity and hopefully I can get out there and get some runs."
