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Ellyse Perry's best shot at an international Twenty20 recall could come in the WBBL, with the superstar all-rounder labelling the tournament a potential launching pad for several players.
Monday marked exactly one year since Perry's last T20 for Australia, with her being overlooked for the format during the last Ashes summer and the Commonwealth Games.
Australia face a changing of the guard in coming months, with Rachael Haynes retiring and Meg Lanning still on personal leave ahead of the summer and February's T20 World Cup.
Perry would loom as a logical option. Still a fixture in the 50-over team, the 31-year-old would offer value for her top-order experience as a steady hand at number three and four.
The right-armer has also resumed bowling, having overcome a stress fracture in her back while also working on technical changes in her delivery.
Perry is loath to discuss her selection chances, but can see this summer's tournament as crucial in the selection race to fill the two spots.
"Traditionally speaking, the WBBL is a great launching pad for all players," Perry told reporters.
"We have unearthed some great talent in this competition and it has given people the chance and opportunity.
"With a few changes in the Australian set-up, there is a really great chance for everyone to play really well and do their best to be a part of a really competitive Australian side."
Australia have several up-and-coming options ahead of T20s in India come December, including Nicola Carey, Elyse Villani, Georgia Redmayne, Georgia Voll, Annabell Sutherland, Phoebe Litchfield and Laura Harris.
But Perry likely holds the cards, with her change of mindset in batting the most important factor.
The right-hander will bat at number three or four for the Sixers when they begin the tournament against Brisbane in Mackay on Thursday night.
Perry is yet to bat at a strike-rate exceeding 100 in any edition of the WBBL, but has made a point to add to her power game in the past year, and she struck at 136.73 in the recent Hundred tournament in England with the Birmingham Phoenix.
"You always want to evolve, and at different points of time along the way things are highlighted and speak more to where you want to take things — and perhaps also how you want to keep contributing to the team and game," Perry said.
"In the last couple of years that has been at the forefront of my mind.
"Hopefully it makes my contribution to whatever team I am part of greater than what it has been in the last little bit."
Meanwhile, Sydney Thunder have named New Zealand quick Lea Tahuhu as a replacement for Hannah Darlington (knee) ahead of their opener against Hobart on Friday.
AAP