Mitchell Starc senses conditions for the third Test between Australia and South Africa will be shaped by whether Kagiso Rabada is steaming in.
Rabada has been banned for the rest of the four-Test series but the Proteas are appealing his level-two charge of "inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with" Steve Smith in the second Test.
The hearing is expected to take place on Monday.
Rabada's screaming send-off of Smith marred his match-winning haul of 11-150 in Port Elizabeth, where the hosts levelled the series at 1-1.
There is a chance the incident will influence the third Test that starts on Thursday in Cape Town, with Starc tipping Rabada's likely absence could result in less reverse swing and more seam movement.
"They could change away from that the reverse swing without Rabada there," Starc told reporters.
"Conditions might change and the wickets might be a little bit different for the last two Tests.
"If Rabada's not playing, there might be a little more sideways movement with the newer ball for someone like (Vernon) Philander or Morne (Morkel), which obviously brings Josh (Hazlewood) or Pat (Cummins) into the mix as well."
Starc declared himself a certain starter for the third Test, despite appearing sore during the final innings in Port Elizabeth.
"The footmarks were a bit uncomfortable; (33.4) overs in the first innings takes a bit of a toll on the body. All good, though - we've got a fair few days off," he said.
There was an abrasive wicket block and dry pitch at Kingsmead and St George's Park, helping each side to attain early reverse swing in both Tests.
Rabada's greatest strength is how well he generates and controls reverse swing, much like Starc. Both stars have created collapses and been named man of the match in this series.
South African captain Faf du Plessis has repeatedly made it clear the pair are a cut above everyone else when it comes to creating unplayable deliveries with the old ball.
If Rabada is ruled out, the obvious temptation will be for the home side to request a well-grassed wicket, especially with Philander in their XI.
Philander is regarded by Ricky Ponting as the hardest bowler he had faced when conditions suit.
The right-armer was a handful on Test debut against Australia in 2011 at Newlands, where he did the bulk of the damage as the tourists were rolled for just 47 in their second dig.
Starc backed his attack to better the Proteas' bowlers in any conditions.
"We've got an attack that is pretty well rounded and complement each other really well. We're just going to have to adapt to the conditions that are put in front of us," the left-armer said.
"Patty's going to keep thumping them in there and attacking them and being very aggressive.
"I thought we bowled pretty well (in the second Test), probably as consistent as we have been for a long time."
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