Marnus Labuschagne could earn a shock baggy green as Australia eye the possibility of fielding four Test debutants for the first time in 40 years against Pakistan.
The South African-born Labuschagne is being considered for an unlikely debut in Dubai on Sunday, with coach Justin Langer assessing the match fitness of opener Matthew Renshaw and his bowling stocks in Australia's first Test since March's disastrous South Africa tour.
Queensland quick Michael Neser is also closing in on a debut in a battle with veteran Peter Siddle, while Aaron Finch and Travis Head have been guaranteed their spots in the starting XI.
If all four play in the first of two Tests against Pakistan, it would represent the biggest changing of the guard in Australian Test history since Rick Darling, Graeme Wood, Bruce Yardley and Ian Callen debuted against India in 1978.
Labuschagne's chances depend largely on Queensland teammate Renshaw, who was struck in the head while fielding in Australia's drawn four-day tour match against Pakistan A.
He was substituted out of the game and replaced by 24-year-old Labuschagne, who scored an unbeaten 39 and was the second top run scorer in last summer's Sheffield Shield - behind Renshaw.
The sickening head blow came after Renshaw suffered a hamstring injury in the Australia A tour of India last month and scored 0 and 19 in the only four-day match he played.
"Matt Renshaw's injury has put a bit of a spanner in the works," Langer said.
"(He) is physically fine. The problem is he hasn't played much cricket.
"It's going to be a really instinct call. To weigh up what he's done in the past, he's obviously a very good young player."
If he doesn't play, Usman Khawaja opened against Pakistan A in Dubai and Labuschagne batted at No.6.
"In the history of Australian cricket a lot of people have taken their opportunity through injury," Langer said.
"And I thought Marnus fielded brilliantly, had a good day with the bat yesterday and bowled a few overs of leggies, so he's certainly put a strong case forward."
Australia haven't won a Test series in Asia since 2011 but will return to second in the world rankings if triumphant.
Jon Holland boosted his case for a Test recall as the second spinner alongside Nathan Lyon with 5-79 on the last day of the tour match on Tuesday.
Siddle - who hasn't played for Australia since 2016 - didn't play in the warm-up match while Neser claimed only one wicket across the two innings in the battle to partner Mitchell Starc as the second quick.
"(Neser) impressed us, he always does," Langer said.
"He has a red-hot dig every time he plays and is brilliant around the team.
"And then if we weigh up 211 Test wickets and a guy who is bowling really well and a veteran in Sids."
Australian Associated Press
