He can't get a game for Brisbane Heat but Marnus Labuschagne is set for a shock Australian recall after being added to the fourth Test squad.
Labuschagne, 24, was overlooked for the first three Tests against India after making his baggy green debut in Australia's October series against Pakistan.
And he didn't look like returning any time soon after lacklustre Sheffield Shield form and being a notable omission for the Heat's first two Big Bash League games.
Brisbane batsman Joe Burns even hinted that Labuschagne would be brushed again for the Heat's New Year's Day clash with Sydney Sixers on the Gold Coast, saying they had no plans to change their line-up despite their win-less start.
Yet Labuschagne is now a chance to play the SCG series-finale, with opener Aaron Finch and all-rounder Mitch Marsh facing the axe.
Queensland's South Africa-born Labuschagne is out of nick with the bat but his leg spin may get him over the line in Sydney with the SCG deck expected to extract turn.
He may not have been getting much love from Heat selectors but Labuschagne said his Brisbane teammates overwhelmed him with support when he got the Test call-up on Sunday.
"That was a nice moment. I'm a little bit overwhelmed but it's another great opportunity for me - I am super excited about the news," he said.
"Previously it (SCG) has been spin conducive, but I need to be ready to do both my roles if I am called upon."
Labuschagne made scores of 0, 13, 25 and 43 in the two Tests against Pakistan, averaging 20.25.
He passed 50 just once at first-class level since returning from the UAE.
However his leg spin appears a trump card after taking seven wickets in the Pakistan series at 22.42.
Labuschagne is putting pressure on all-rounder Marsh who failed to take a wicket and made only nine and 10 in Australia's Boxing Day Test loss.
He said he had already grabbed advice from Heat coach and former New Zealand spinner Dan Vettori on how to approach his leggies in Sydney.
But he vowed to bolster Australia's brittle batting line-up if given the chance.
"It's an opportunity to stand up, score big runs against the best bowling attack in the world at the moment - as a batsman you thrive on that," he said.
Former Test opener Ed Cowan was gobsmacked by Labuschagne's call-up.
"I'm scratching my head," he told ABC Grandstand.
"We're not talking about someone who is knocking that door down to say 'pick me'.
"It's a selection that actually dumbfounds me."
