Australia Coach Darren Lehmann has backed Travis Head for a test debut, saying his omission from the India series was "a really tight call."
The all-rounder has impressed since his ODI debut in June last year, averaging 37.2 runs in his 22 games.
The 23-year-old is also the reigning Sheffield Shield player of the year and averages 60.33 runs as South Australia's captain this season. He was overlooked for the touring squad in favour of fellow all-rounders Glenn Maxwell, Ashton Agar and Mitchell Marsh.
Lehmann said Head was unlucky to miss out on making the squad for India.
"His bowling has gone through the roof, so I'm really pleased for him there and he batted really well again (on Sunday against New Zealand)," Lehmann said.
"(But) you can only take so many, and we've got a lot of left-handers in the squad as well, so in the end it was just a very tight call."
"He's impressed us immensely with the way he's adapted to international cricket."
"We expect him in the not-too-distant future to get his chance in Test cricket."
