Peter Handscomb is trusting the advice of Graeme Hick, Chris Rogers and Ajinkya Rahane as he seeks to retain his spot in Australia's Test XI.
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Handscomb is currently in India with Australia A, a trip that represents a timely chance to remind selectors of his subcontinent worth.
National coach Justin Langer and chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns will use the Australia A tour as a form guide before picking their squad for a two-Test series against Pakistan in the UAE.
Handscomb, recalled by Hohns in Johannesburg after Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were stood down, shapes as a likely inclusion in the UAE touring party.
The Victorian impressed in oppressive heat in Bangladesh last year, dropping 4.5 kilograms during a gutsy Test-defining knock of 82.
But having gone almost five months without playing a game, runs for Australia A is the only way for Handscomb to guarantee a call-up.
Heavy rain in Vijayawada, which ruined the tourists' opening week and prompted organisers to shift remaining one-dayers to Bangalore, has given Handscomb ample chance to bounce ideas off Australia A coach Hick.
Prior to flying out, Handscomb was working closely with former Test opener Rogers at Cricket Australia's training base in Brisbane.
"I'm leaning a lot on Chris Rogers, who has really taken me aside and done some quality work," Handscomb told reporters in Bangalore.
"I've been learning a lot off him, which has been awesome."
Rahane, India's vice-captain and Handscomb's former Indian Premier League teammate, has also been a subcontinent sounding board in recent years.
"I love how he has the ability to play spin off the back foot really well. I've watched him, had a couple of chats," Handscomb said.
"He's a quality player and someone I've tried to emulate.
"I feel like I've refined my game and my tactics for playing spin over here."
Australia A face India A on Thursday. They will play two first-class games after the one-day series is over.
Usman Khawaja, Matthew Renshaw and Travis Head are among the other Australia A squad members in the mix for the UAE.
Australian Associated Press