Cameron Bancroft's limp Ashes finish means his place in the South African touring party is far from certain but Australia coach Darren Lehmann insists he has still been impressed by the rookie's partnership with David Warner at the top of the batting order.
The Western Australian opener was the only Australian under the pump after a 4-0 Ashes triumph that wrapped up on Monday.
The 25-year-old scored an unbeaten 82 on Test debut at the Gabba, with Bancroft the flavour of the month as the hosts marched to a 10-wicket win in the series opener.
He failed to reach 30 from that point on though and was comprehensively bowled for a duck in Australia's only innings in Sydney, when hoping to press his case for retention.
But Lehmann hinted Bancroft had still shown enough to be given a chance against South Africa's potent fast-bowling unit in March.
"I've been impressed with the way he's gone about it with Davey Warner," the coach said.
"He would like bigger scores, as you always would as a batsman, but some of our starts have been exceptional, especially early on in the series, apart from Adelaide.
"For me you've got a young guy there learning his craft, he's got a great work ethic.
"So for me moving forward, end of the day, it'll come down to selectors but he's a good young kid, works hard; we're pretty happy with him."
Australia's touring party for the four-Test series in South Africa is expected to be picked before the next Sheffield Shield round, denying the likes of Matthew Renshaw and Joe Burns a further chance to unseat the incumbent.
That timing, on top of his captain Steve Smith's desire for consistency as he looks ahead to next year's English Ashes series, will count in Bancroft's favour.
"He's a good young player, he's a great character and he's got a terrific work ethic and the more he plays he's going to continue to improve and get better," Smith said after the Sydney win.
"If the selectors keep the faith, and I hope they do, then it'll only be good for him and good for the group."
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