Uncapped Test hopeful Marcus Harris says he'd relish the chance to open the batting for Australia with Sheffield Shield and Big Bash teammate Aaron Finch.
The 26-year-old has won a place in the 14-man squad for the opening two Tests of the summer against India, crediting a move to Victoria for his rise to the brink of the baggy green.
Harris left his native Western Australia in 2016, earning the now-infamous riposte as "mediocre" from Warriors coach Justin Langer on the way out.
Both men were able to joke about it on Thursday, when it was announced the pair would be teaming up once again in the Test outfit.
"Did I say he was mediocre with flashes of brilliance? Yeah I did because that's what he was," Langer said.
"It's the truth! Look at it!
"I used to throw millions of balls to him ... and then he'd get 20 and I'd want to shake him every time and say 'you're getting 20, that's mediocre'.
"What he's done to his great credit is he's become a consistent opening batsman with flashes of brilliance. That's why he's been selected to play for Australia."
If Harris is to debut in Adelaide, he'll need to dislodge one of Usman Khawaja or Finch.
Finch is not helped by the fact he's likely to bat in the middle order for Victoria in their Shield outing, with Langer and captain Tim Paine to weigh up the XI and the batting order.
After coming of age in the Bushrangers side, Harris is keen to keep as many of his state teammates close and particularly Finch.
"I've had a good couple of years at the Vics. It's been great to be a part of a successful side and I've fed off that," he said.
"It'd be great to bat with Finch ... to have someone down the other end that's familiar with me would be really good.
"If he's running between the wickets like he does in the Big Bash, I'd want to have my long spikes on."
The pair are joined by fellow Bushrangers Chris Tremain, Peter Handscomb and Peter Siddle in the squad.
Another Victorian will play a crucial role over the next month as Harris juggles home life with his cricket duties.
Harris was informed of his Test call-up on Wednesday night after finishing up at "puppy pre-school" for his beloved French bulldog Archie.
"I had to go to a pet hotel this morning and try and find (a place) for the big fella for Christmas time," Harris said.
"Poor little Archie. He's gone to stay at Michael Beer's house for a couple of weeks."
Australian Associated Press
