Australia's most recent test debutant leg spinner Mitchell Swepson is prepared to go unused in the test side this summer to instead prepare for his next overseas test by playing in the Big Bash.
Swepson, who finally arrived on the scene in March this year against Pakistan, is realistic about his chances of taking Nathan Lyon's single spinner role in the five tests in Australia beginning in November.
However, With the side back on the road again to India in February, Swepson must be ready to take up that second spinner slot.
Barring injury to Lyon, the only way left to do so is with the Brisbane Heat during the Big Bash. This means 14 T20s of preparation for a four-test series against the second-best team in the world, which is far from ideal.
But Swepson remains optimistic and is excited to return to the Heat.
"The last couple of years, I've been starved of game time, particularly with the boys at Brisbane," Swepson told cricket.com.au
"The priority for me is obviously trying to crack into that Test team but if it doesn't happen, which is probably most likely the case over the summer, it means I'll be fronting up for Brisbane for pretty much every game.
"I can't wait – it's been a long couple of years without playing for the guys so I'm so keen to get out there and play in teal again."
The 28-year-old has struggled at times in his four tests so far, but the signs of quality are there, and he is undoubtedly considered the frontrunner for a spinner spot on tour in February, regardless of the style of preparation.
