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Will Pucovski has failed a fitness test at the Gabba, with Marcus Harris locked in to open the batting in Australia's Test series decider against India.
Australia are banking on Marcus Harris to help deliver victory in arguably their most important Test on home soil since Justin Langer became coach.
Langer's side have crushed Sri Lanka, Pakistan and New Zealand in home series while rising up the Test rankings after the Cape Town cheating scandal.
India, who outclassed an Australian side that sorely missed suspended superstars Steve Smith and David Warner in 2018-19, have provided stubborn resistance this summer.
The four-Test series is level at 1-1 after the SCG draw.
An Australian victory in Brisbane would be rewarded with the Border-Gavaskar trophy, which they haven't grasped since 2017, and top spot on the International Cricket Council rankings.
Will Pucovski's shoulder injury has plunged Harris into the pressure-laden contest that begins on Friday.
Harris, who was dumped after the 2019 Ashes, has waited 16 months for a Test recall.
The left-hander has watched selectors prefer Pucovski, David Warner, Joe Burns and Matthew Wade at the top of the order throughout the current series.
Tim Paine believes Harris, who debuted against India during their previous tour of Australia, has the perfect temperament to step up in a winner-takes-all Test.
"Harry's just a no-fuss, very good player," Paine said.
"He's been working his backside off in our Hub (while part of the Test squad) for a while now. He's had huge numbers in Sheffield Shield cricket and deserves this opportunity.
"He's a relaxed character.
"Someone we have full confidence in, that if he gets in and gets a start tomorrow then he'll cash in and make the most of it."
Harris has a golden chance to entrench himself in the XI with a big score in Brisbane.
Pucovski's short-term future is more clouded, with medicos mapping out a recovery plan for his partial shoulder dislocation after Thursday's failed fitness test.
"He tried to train this morning, didn't quite come up," Paine said of the prodigy.
The enforced omission of Pucovski, who debuted in Sydney after overcoming overcome concussion and mental-health challenges in recent years, is the only change to Australia's XI.
Paine, whose conduct has recently been scrutinised more than Monday's three dropped catches and tactical calls on, is adamant he will not be "caught up in the moment" during the high-stake series finale.
But Australia's skipper also flagged that he wouldn't be silent behind the stumps.
"We're aware that this is a big Test match but that doesn't change the way we go about it," the wicketkeeper said.
"I'll be being myself.
"I'll look to come out this week and play competitive Test cricket, as I always do.
"And if there's a bit of banter to be said, then, yeah, I'm always up for that."
Australia XI: Marcus Harris, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Cameron Green, Tim Paine, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nahtan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
