Australian great Justin Langer has urged national selectors not to dump Adam Voges from the Test scene just yet, saying the 37-year-old has plenty to offer a squad in transition.
Test selectors have made six changes to Australia's squad for the day-night Test against South Africa, starting in Adelaide on Thursday.
Voges was among the omissions, with the official line being he couldn't be considered because of his recent concussion.
But even if Voges had been fit, he would have probably been axed anyway following his recent struggles with the bat.
Despite his average dropping from a recent high of 100 to a still impressive 61.87, he faces an uphill battle to force his way back into the Test arena as selectors turn their focus to youth.
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Matt Renshaw, Peter Handscomb, Nic Maddinson, and swing bowler Chadd Sayers could all debut against South Africa in Adelaide this week.
Wicketkeeper Matthew Wade and paceman Jackson Bird were the other two additions to the 12-man squad.
Langer felt Voges could still play a vital role for Australia in the Test arena.
"In my opinion, Adam Voges' Test career shouldn't be over," Langer said.
"He's been so important to a winning Australian team.
"It was only a few months ago he was averaging 100 in Test cricket.
"He's a state captain. He's a very good person to have to help the young guys.
"Especially if they're bringing in more young guys, you've got to have some senior players in there."
Langer is hopeful Voges will recover from his concussion in time to play in the Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland in Townsville, starting on Saturday.
If selectors opt to shut the Test door on Voges completely, Langer fears the WA skipper will start to contemplate retirement.
"If he's not in the Test match reckoning, he'll have the make the decision about what he wants to do with his career," Langer said.
