Mitch Marsh's summer of sitting around is likely to continue at the MCG and SCG but the allrounder isn't complaining.
Marsh has played seven Tests his year, having been recalled by national selectors at the expense of Shane Watson during the Ashes.
The allrounder has kept his place in the XI because of some superb spells but averaged just 13.11 with the bat in that stretch.
The caveat is a top order that has amassed monster totals during home Test series against New Zealand and West Indies.
With the exception of the day-night clash in Adelaide, Marsh has walked out with instructions to score in a hurry.
A declaration has either been imminent or at the forefront of Steve Smith's mind.
The Test in Hobart was his most serious case of pad rash - he watched brother Shaun and Adam Voges put on a 449-run stand.
"I've done a lot of waiting this summer but that's a great thing for us. I'm happy to wait if it means we're making 500-plus runs," Marsh said.
"It was awesome to watch Shaun and Vogesy, two great mates, batting together for Australia (for so long).
"I try and keep my mind off batting when I'm waiting to bat. I don't want to waste too much nervous energy.
"Obviously when you're sitting there all day you start to get a bit tired."
Darren Lehmann has been asked about Marsh's place in the side throughout summer.
Lehmann's refrain of "we'd like him to make some more runs" has cut to the point of the matter.
Marsh knows the equation well.
But the 24-year-old took heart from the way Lehmann recently guaranteed he would play the Boxing Day Test, removing his name from the selection squeeze created by Usman Khawaja's return.
"It's obviously very nice when you read that sort of stuff, for the coach to come out and say that," Marsh said.
"There's obviously been a little bit of pressure on me to score runs.
"I've tried not to take too much notice of it because, as a team, three out of the four Tests (this summer) we've made over 500 in the first innings.
"So I haven't felt under to much pressure in that sense."
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