Next week's Sheffield Shield clash between Queensland and Victoria looms as a crucial step in Australia's preparations for the first Test against India.
Almost half of the 14-man squad picked on Thursday for the opening Test at the Adelaide Oval will be in action at the Gabba.
Bulls skipper Usman Khawaja will be desperate to get time in the middle in what will be his first cricket match in a month after undergoing surgery on a knee injury.
Opposite him will be five Victorian players all aiming to make the final XI to face the Indians from December 6.
Pacemen Peter Siddle and Chris Tremain will be aiming to impress should something happen to frontline quicks Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood or Pat Cummins before Adelaide.
Aaron Finch is however a certainty to play against India after his successful first Test series against Pakistan in the UAE.
Marcus Harris is poised to join his state opening partner at the top of the batting order for what would be his Test debut while Peter Handscomb's spot in the squad hinges on Khawaja's fitness.
The Queenslander is however insistent the match won't be a selection battle between him and Harris for the second opener's spot.
"A battle? We're teammates here, there's no battles going on," the left-hander said.
"I'm happy to bat wherever. I've said that to Painey (captain Tim Paine). He's (Harris) obviously an opener so I expect him to open.
"We'll play as competitors. Games between Victoria and Queensland are always good games."
