Joe Burns stands to gain plenty if Queensland teammate Matthew Renshaw is sensationally dropped for the Ashes, but the former Test opener would be disappointed and surprised if the youngster is snubbed.
Renshaw is set to open alongside David Warner during next month's Ashes opener, having impressed skipper Steve Smith and many other good judges with his temperament since being called up at age 20.
However the giant left-hander isn't a certain starter on November 23 according to assistant coach David Saker, who suggested the upcoming Sheffield Shield rounds present an opener with a chance to "put a bit of pressure on" Renshaw.
"Renshaw will probably get the first go at it but because there's three Shield games you never know," Saker told radio station SEN.
Mitchell Johnson and Chris Rogers have also spoken frankly about Renshaw's place at the top of the order, with the former calling for Shaun Marsh to open against England.
Burns, whose axing paved the way for Renshaw's Test debut, would be "extremely surprised" if selectors opt for change.
"You'd like to think they will stick with him and I think it's the lesser of two evils, if you give someone one too many games than one too little in that role," Burns told AAP, his most recent Test stint having lasted one game.
"I know first hand as an opening batter for Australia - it's not an easy role.
"People I think often forget you're generally facing the best bowlers from another country with a new ball on a fresh wicket. There's nothing harder in international cricket.
"He's a young guy learning a lot on the run ... the life of an opener is that sometimes you nick one early. If you find someone that's right for the role, it's worth sticking with them."
Burns, Renshaw and Usman Khawaja will be keen to churn out the runs for Queensland when the Shield season starts on Thursday, with the Bulls hosting Victoria at the Gabba.
Selectors will also be keen to assess incumbent Test keeper Matthew Wade in his first Shield game for Tasmania, whose Shield clash with Western Australia also starts on Thursday in Perth.
Smith will lead NSW in their Shield opener against South Australia, with that game to begin on Friday at Adelaide Oval.
All three matches will feature a pink ball, serving as tune-ups for the inaugural day-night Ashes Test.
"Hopefully we see some big scores," Smith said.
"I'm always looking at what guys are doing in state cricket, always trying to find the next best players to come in."
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