Cameron Green has not felt needed in Test cricket for Australia of late which is why he says it has been a "weird" summer on a personal level so far.
Australia's emphatic wins in the two Tests against the West Indies where the top order piled on the runs, followed by the first Test against South Africa at the Gabba finishing inside two days, meant allrounder Green was often surplus to requirements with bat and ball.
Due to his regular involvement in the international T20 and ODI scene, the last time the 23-year-old had a long stint batting in the longer format was his 79 in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle back in July.
"I only bowled three overs for the game and batted about 20 balls," Green said of his latest Test against South Africa.
"It has definitely been a weird start to the summer for myself, not having to do too much.
"Being the allrounder you are kind of like the guy to help out if the team needs. At the moment it feels like I am not really needed in a way, but that is obviously a sign of how well we are playing.
"As a teammate watching how well the guys are playing, it is pretty awesome to see."
Despite his lack of involvement with the bat and ball, Green said he was in a good mental space of the second Test against the Proteas starting on Boxing Day in Melbourne.
His fielding in the gully has been top notch and he feels ready to fire with the bat.
"Batting-wise at training I am hitting the ball well. If you don't get much game time that is the only way you can tell how you are going," he said.
Green was at the crease when Australia won the first Test at the Gabba by six wickets, courtesy of Proteas paceman Anrich Nortje sending down a thunderbolt that went flying over his head and past the wicketkeeper for five wides.
Green agreed "one hundred per cent" that Nortje was a frightening prospect, but added Australia would be ready for him at the MCG.
"He has shown over the last couple of years what he can bring to a team...that raw pace," Green said.
"You don't get to face it too much, facing 150 (km/h). I think most of the batters are happy they got to face that.
"If we can withstand that, and we know we can, it gives us a little insight into how to face him at the MCG."
