Australia have turned the traditionally social tour-opening Prime Minister's XI match into a serious outing by naming four batsmen hoping to secure a Test berth.
Batting quartet Adam Voges, Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja and Joe Burns have been selected in the PM's XI to play New Zealand in Canberra on Friday.
The traditional Manuka Oval match is usually a subdued, semi-serious affair featuring some old-timers and rising stars.
But Australia's selection chairman Rod Marsh has changed the tone for this day-night fixture to be played with a pink ball, although players in state teams still in one-day cup contention - NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia - haven't been included.
Voges, Bancroft, Khawaja and Burns were all named in Australia's Test squad for the postponed tour of Bangladesh.
"We're keeping a close eye on these players ahead as we prepare to select the Test squad," Marsh said in a statement on Monday.
Paceman Peter Siddle and spinner Ashton Agar are also in the side captained by retired Test great Michael Hussey.
"Given we are only a few weeks away from the first Test at the Gabba, it is an ideal opportunity for us to watch a group of highly-rated players and see how they perform against a quality New Zealand side," Marsh said.
The first Test against the Kiwis starts in Brisbane on November 5.
Prime Minister's XI:
Michael Hussey (capt), Cameron Bancroft, Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Adam Voges, David Hussey, Ryan Carters, Ashton Agar, Peter Siddle, Jason Behrendorff, Mark Steketee, Ben Taylor (12th man)
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