Queensland paceman Michael Neser will take confidence from an outstanding domestic campaign as he auditions for a spot in Australia's depleted Test side.
The 28-year-old is one of several fringe fast bowlers out to impress as Australia A prepare to face India A in two four-day matches beginning on Sunday in Bangalore.
Fellow Queenslander Brendan Doggett, West Australian Joel Paris and Victoria's Chris Tremain are others in the selection mix.
With frontline quicks Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood sidelined, coach Justin Langer declared that the red-ball games in India will help to settle selections for Australia's two-Test series against Pakistan in the UAE in October.
Neser was the second-leading wicket-taker during last year's Sheffield Shield season, claiming 39 scalps at 21.84 to help propel Queensland to the title.
The right-arm seamer will draw upon the triumph as he tackles the challenge of bowling in subcontinent conditions.
"I definitely take a lot out of my four-day season - I don't feel like it was too long ago," he said.
"I'm sure it's going to be a challenge but I'm up for that challenge.
"I know spin might take a bit of a focus here in India but if it comes to me tying down an end, that's going to be my role.
"Hopefully the wickets have a bit of assistance there for the quicks but if not, I'll just play my role and do what I can."
Australia will be without almost half of their first-choice XI in the UAE with Cummins and Hazlewood joining suspended trio Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft on the sidelines.
Given how vulnerable the batting order will be, Langer and chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns might be tempted to go with proven pace options in Jackson Bird, Chadd Sayers or even Peter Siddle to support Mitchell Starc.
Neser's only international experience came when he replaced the injured Hazlewood for two ODIs in England earlier this year but he can also bat, having scored six half-centuries in first-class cricket for an average of 23.34.
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