Peter Handscomb hasn't given up hope of a late-career Test recall after returning to form with a stoic Sheffield Shield century against undefeated Western Australia.
The Victorian veteran cashed in on a batter-friendly MCG pitch for his 31st first-class hundred on Wednesday as the Shield returned to the hallowed turf for the first time this season.
Showing off his penchant for playing spin bowling, the former Test batsman manoeuvred his way to 131 not out off 253 balls to move Victoria to 3-292 at stumps on day one.
Chair of selectors George Bailey has flagged Australia's squad for the first Test against New Zealand in Perth will be picked at the end of this round of Shield matches.
While Handscomb has not been floated as a possible replacement for discarded No.3 Marnus Labuschagne, the 35-year-old could come under consideration for Australia's subsequent five-Test tour of India.
"That's what you guys are here for," Handscomb joked when asked by media if his hundred could revive his Test selection chances.
His cause has not been aided by scores of 8, 16 and two ducks in Australia A matches against India A last month, or previously averaging 15 across his six Shield digs since returning from the sub-continent.
"It's been weird," he said.
"I felt good, and it's such a shame when you feel good and you don't make runs because you're just kicking yourself the whole time.
"I just went back to probably a couple of basics from last game to this game and really doubled down on how I wanted to bat."
A two-time century maker across 20 Tests since 2016, Handscomb last featured at Test level in Australia's 2023 tour of India.
Handscomb revealed he spoke with Australian selection panel member Tony Dodemaide after Nic Maddinson's shock Test recall for the tour of South Africa.
"I can disagree with it (Maddinson's selection), but you've got to commit and move on and just try and make some runs," Handscomb said.
Winless after three rounds, Victoria capitalised after winning the toss and choosing to bat on a less-grassy-than-usual MCG wicket.
Sam Harper (8) didn't do his case for Test squad elevation any favours after Albert Esterhuysen took a screamer at fine leg off the bowling of Kieran Elliott (1-57) in the third over.
Esterhuysen (1-52), who replaced frontline paceman Jye Richardson (managed) in WA's XI, then had fellow opener Marcus Harris (15) nicking to wicketkeeper Joel Curtis.
It left Victoria precariously placed at 2-44, but batting inclusions Ash Chandrasinghe (53 off 135 balls) and Blake Macdonald (74no off 156 balls) built big partnerships with Handscomb to have Victoria well on top entering day two.
