Victorian paceman Peter Siddle has backed himself or teammate James Pattinson to fill the Test spot left vacant by Mitch Johnson's retirement.
Pattinson continued his impressive comeback from a succession of injuries by taking four wickets in the Sheffield Shield draw against Western Australia at the MCG.
Siddle captained Victoria when Matthew Wade was forced out with a fractured collarbone and also bowled 35 overs in the match.
Siddle has been unlucky, returning to the team in the 5th Test of this year's Ashes tour and then being named 12th man for the two opening home matches against New Zealand.
Siddle said he hoped to make the XI for the third Test in Adelaide.
"Obviously, the disappointment of missing out on the first two, it's been a bit hard, especially after how I came back over in England," he said.
"So I get everything right and be ready to go and that's all I can do.
"It will be no different next week that I will do the same preparation, I will work hard and hopefully my chance does come."
Siddle and WA coach Justin Langer agreed Pattinson was ready, after several weeks of conjecture about when might be the right time for him to make a Test comeback.
"He bowled beautifully in this match," Siddle said.
"It shows where he's at - he's comfortable with his action now.
"He's fit and strong, he's bowling well and he'd be keen to get an opportunity again.
"Who gets the opportunity, we'll wait and see."
Langer lavished praise on the two Victorian quicks and also threw up their teammate Scott Boland as a left-field possibility.
"He (Pattinson) just looks so fit and strong," Langer said.
"We know he's a game breaker.
"Peter Siddle deserves to play ... I'm sure those two will have to come into consideration."
Langer added Boland was improving consistently.
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