Joe Burns confirmed his status as Chris Rogers' long-term replacement with a commanding century on Boxing Day.
Rogers, who retired from Test cricket after this year's Ashes, couldn't be happier.
Burns was locked in a tight selection battle with Shaun Marsh leading up to the second Test between Australia and West Indies.
Rod Marsh's panel opted to retain the Queenslander, wanting continuity at the top of the order ahead of an important two-Test tour of New Zealand in February.
Burns reached three figures early in the final session on day one, suggesting it was the right call.
Rogers was thrilled selectors gave the specialist opener a proper chance to establish himself in the side.
"There was a period there when they were picking a lot of middle-order batsmen to open the batting for Australia," Rogers said.
"It's a position you have to do day in, day out.
"They picked him early to do that role, so stick with him.
"Don't just pick a middle-order guy and throw him into open because he scored a few runs, because it doesn't do him any favours either."
It's not as if Burns had been in terrible form.
He started the summer with a maiden Test ton at home in Brisbane.
With the exception of a duck in Perth, Burns made a start in every other knock for Australia that followed.
Rogers predicted Burns would improve the longer he is in the Test side.
"I defend Joe Burns because I think he's done a lot right," Rogers said.
"It's not an easy role at all. You're allowed to make a few mistakes and he'll get better and better."
Rogers felt for Shaun Marsh, who was dropped after scoring 182 in the first Test at Hobart.
However, the man who scored almost 25,000 first-class runs added it would have been wrong for Marsh to open in Melbourne.
"It's unfortunate Shaun missed out," Rogers said.
"But if he had to be in the team and had to open, I just think that's not ideal for him either."
Burns was on 83 at tea on Boxing Day when Rogers had a lap of honour at the MCG.
"It was pretty surreal," Rogers said.
"I was probably a little bit embarrassed but when I actually did the lap and to see the response I got, it felt quite good.
"I won't forget that for a while."
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