David Warner is keeping his fingers crossed that he can put his hand up for the Boxing Day Test despite an injured thumb.
And allrounder Mitch Marsh does not expect to be hamstrung in the third Test clash with India in Melbourne.
But selectors still look set to break the golden rule of changing a winning team as they look to extend their unbeatable 2-0 series lead.
While allrounder Shane Watson will be in the third Test line-up it remains to be seen where he will bat after double failures at the Gabba including an eight ball duck on Saturday.
Alarm bells were ringing when Warner looked in big trouble after being struck on the thumb by a nasty ball from Umesh Yadav soon after Australia were set 128 for victory.
Warner did not last much longer, caught behind off Ishant Sharma for six before receiving much needed treatment.
But Warner played down fears he would miss the Boxing Day Test.
“It is very sore but I will see how I go,” he told Nine Network.
“It was tough (after being hit) but I didn’t want to come off.”
A Cricket Australia spokesperson said “early indications (are) he’ll be right” for Melbourne.
Australian captain Steve Smith added: “He is a tough little character so I am sure he will be pretty eager to get stuck in on Boxing Day.”
If not, Tasmania’s Ed Cowan appears likely to receive a Test recall after hitting a Sheffield Shield high 590 runs at 65.55 with four tons.
But Marsh believed selectors should not bother canvassing for potential No.6 candidates.
Marsh broke down on day one in Brisbane soon after celebrating his first Test wicket but was able to bat, hitting the winning runs on Saturday.
“The hammy’s not too bad,” he told ABC Radio.
“It’s pretty minor so I’ll hopefully get up for that Test match (Boxing Day).”
But Smith said: “Mitch Marsh was struggling a little bit yesterday and struggling a little bit with his running today as well.
“I think the physio and doctor will make a decision in the next couple of days.”
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