Despite fears Australia's attack might be underdone, Ryan Harris says avoiding an arduous Bangladesh tour has been a positive for their bowlers ahead of the first Test against New Zealand in Brisbane.
There was speculation the Australian quicks might have been found wanting at the Gabba series opener from November 5 after this month's Bangladesh tour was abandoned due to safety concerns.
But ex-spearhead Harris believed avoiding long days toiling away on Bangladesh's lifeless decks would only be a benefit ahead of the three-Test Kiwi series.
"As disappointing as it was that they didn't go, avoiding running in on flat wickets is only going to be a positive from a bowling point of view," ex-Test No.1 quick Harris told AAP.
"To not exert all that energy, to be able to refresh and play some competitive cricket in the (domestic) one-day competition has been really good preparation for them."
Harris also believed selectors would remain faithful with their unsuccessful Ashes attack ahead of Friday's first Test squad announcement.
The retired quick believed veteran Peter Siddle should be in contention with Mitchell Johnson, one-day force Mitchell Starc and young gun Josh Hazlewood for the apparent three fast bowler berths in Brisbane.
"Bowling is probably the easiest (to pick). The three who played most Tests in England and Peter Siddle - personally, it is (out of) those four," Harris said.
They will all receive last-minute auditions in Sheffield Shield games starting on Wednesday.
Harris ran his eye over Siddle as assistant coach for the Prime Minister's XI and Cricket Australia XI in New Zealand's opening tour matches last week in Canberra.
Starc is set to lead the Test attack if he transfers his white-ball form after claiming a record 26 wickets for NSW in the domestic one-day tournament.
However, Siddle has not played much cricket since taking match figures of 6-67 in Australia's fifth Ashes Test romp.
He claimed 1-53 off 10 overs for the PM's XI and 0-34 off 13 for the CA XI last week.
Johnson has warmed up with seven one-day wickets in two games for WA including 5-31 last week against Queensland.
Hazlewood hopes to break back in, having been rested from the final Ashes Test triumph after taking 16 wickets at 25.75 against England.
Harris said the form of Victorian quick James Pattinson and Tasmanian speedster Andrew Fekete had also impressed.
Harris admitted he could not provide any inside knowledge on New Zealand ahead of the first Test despite his recent assistant coach work.
"I was hoping to do that but the abrasive wicket in Canberra wasn't very helpful," he said.
"Four wickets fell in two days (of drawn CA XI match) for 700-plus runs - that was a bit disappointing."
Harris said it did provide a first Test batting form guide, with Shaun Marsh (11) missing a chance to impress for the CA XI.
"The Kiwis looked good and our boys (Usman) Khawaja, (Joe) Burns and (Cameron) Bancroft did well," he said of the Test hopefuls.
"Probably the only disappointment was Shaun Marsh."
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