Australia's total domination of the West Indies has created a potential dilemma for Peter Nevill leading into the series against New Zealand that could result in the crowning of a new No. 1 Test nation. 
Nevill and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh have been starved of opportunities with the bat such has been the form of Australia's top five.
Marsh has at least been able to make a couple of short cameo appearances at the crease in this series, but wicketkeeper Nevill did not bat at any level in   December and if Australia's run glut continues in Sydney, there is a chance he will not play another first-class innings until he arrives in NZ.
Captain Steve Smith could have given Nevill a much-needed hit during the second innings without jeopardising Australia's hopes of winning in Melbourne but declared overnight.
The No. 1 Test ranking is potentially at stake in NZ should Australia complete a clean sweep of the Windies and England at least draw their series in South Africa.
Nevill was released by the Melbourne Renegades earlier this year but thankfully for Australian cricket was re-signed by the Big Bash League franchise in   October to cover for Matthew Wade, who is expected to be on duty with the one-day side.
The modern player is expected to be able to interchange between formats, but playing a series of Twenty20 innings is hardly the ideal preparation for the two Tests against the Black Caps, which are expected to be played on wickets offering far more assistance to the bowlers than those this summer in Australia.
Nevill's next first-class game after the completion of the home Test season is not until NSW's Sheffield Shield match against Western Australia, to be played in NZ starting the week before the first Test.
As no tour match has been scheduled, that game is effectively serving as a Test warm-up, with the two states providing seven of the current XI.
Nevill, however, has shown this summer he can fire with the bat from a limited preparation, having hit a crucial 66 in the day-night Test in Adelaide.
Marsh can sympathise with Nevill's situation, having been in a similar position. The Test No. 6, has faced only 42 balls against the Windies and also spent long periods waiting for a chance to bat against the Kiwis. "I've certainly had some pad rash this summer but that's always a good thing for the team," Marsh said. "I've certainly enjoyed watching, I've made some great hundreds in my head.