Peter Nevill doesn't need to speak with chairman of selectors Rod Marsh to know what's required to keep his place in Australia's Test side.
Nevill is acutely aware he must produce more runs at No.7, regardless of how good his glovework is.
The 31-year-old is expected to be retained in the XI throughout the summer and the ensuing four-Test series in India, with selectors wanting the best possible gloveman behind the stumps.
He scored 66 in last year's inaugural day-night Test but has since averaged 12.88 with the bat.
Those numbers don't sit well with Nevill.
"I would love a big score this summer, no doubt but it's international cricket - you're always under pressure," Nevill said ahead of Australia's first Test against South Africa, which starts on Thursday.
"I will always put pressure on myself to perform.
"I don't need him (Rod Marsh) to spell that out for me, I can read the between the lines well enough there.
"It's pretty simple. If you don't perform, you are not going to be in the team for very long, especially if you are losing as well. You saw in Sri Lanka, changes were made."
Nevill has six centuries and an average of 37.88 at first-class level, confirmation he's more than capable of building an innings of substance.
Some pundits have questioned why the wicketkeeper is below Mitch Marsh in the batting order but Nevill insisted it's a non-issue.
"It doesn't make too much difference to me really. Wherever Steve (Smith) wants me to bat, I'll happily bat," he said.
"I know my game well enough now. I know what works for me. It's just a matter of going out there and doing it."
