Australia's newest Border-Gavaskat series squad member Matt Kuhnemann has detailed the shock turnaround that saw him quickly trade Sheffield Shield duties for the chance of pulling on the baggy green in India.
The Queensland spinner picked up three wickets in his side's 164-run loss to Victoria over the weekend before he got the phone call to find out he would replace fellow statesman Mitch Swepson, who was returning home for the birth of his child, in the Australian Test squad.
Just days after representing the Bulls at the MCG, Kuhnemann is now in the mix to represent Australia and earn his maiden Test call-up following a disappointing opening match against India in Nagpur.
Now turning their attention to Delhi, selectors will have a number of questions to answer after the disappointing opening Test performance from the tourists, who fell to India by an innings and 132 runs.
All-rounder Cameron Green will be in the mix as he looks to return from a broken finger, while fast bowler Mitch Starc is also expected to be available.
Dropped from the Nagpour Test, middle-order batsman Travis Head could gain a reprieve after an underwhelming match for Matt Renshaw, however the host of potential changes are unlikely to open a spot for Kuhnemann.
Whether he's called upon or not, the 26-year-old believes he's ready for the big occasion following Todd Murphy's stunning debut.
"Got a phone call yesterday morning when walking out for the warm-ups. Was pretty shocked," Kuhnemann said, via ESPN.ย
"I was just lucky enough that my passport was in my bag. I watched every day [of the first Test] just being such a fan. These series are so good to watch. Todd Murphy was exceptional and sort of watched how Jadeja bowled. So just really excited to get over there.
"I was fortunate enough to stay with the Test guys and bowl to them in the nets in Sri Lanka so that's still pretty fresh in my memory. I learned heaps just being over there for a couple months.
"If I got the opportunity I'd like to think I'd be okay."
Selectors could prioritise Ashton Agar as their reserve spin option for the Delhi Test, giving Kuhnemann a small window to impress in the Australian camp with Swepson expected to return to the squad for the third Test.
Paceman Josh Hazlewood will also be in the selection frame after the Delhi Test as he continues his recovery from an Achilles injury.
The venue for the third Test is yet to be confirmed, with the match expected to be moved away from Dharamsala.
The second Test of the series will take place in Delhi on February 17.
