Why crucial Australia A clashes could make or break two Test careers as shock 'real bolter' revealed

With the selection battle heating up ahead of the Test summer, the clash between Australia A and India A could provide some clarity for George Bailey and company.

The much-anticipated tour match will kick off in Mackay on Thursday.

Plenty has been made of who will partner Usman Khawaja for the five-game series against India beginning on November 22 in Perth, with a list of names piling up.

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The bowling cartel is far more established, but with an intense schedule ahead, it will be important to have clear back-ups for the Aussies.

For two players, these Australia A fixtures could make or break their chances of wearing the baggy green again, while others like Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney are the opposite end of the spectrum with so much cricket ahead of them.

Wide World of Sports takes a look at which players have the most at stake.

Marcus Harris

This summer absolutely looms as the last chance for Marcus Harris.

The 32-year-old has received plenty of opportunities at Test level in the past but has failed to lock down a spot on a permanent basis.

Harris averages in the mid-20s for Australia, failing to score a century in 26 innings.

While many believe his time in the baggy green has been and gone, selectors clearly still have faith in the left-hander, who is slated to open in both Australia A games.

Harris scored a century in Victoria's Sheffield Shield season opener but if he struggles against the India A side over the next fortnight, it could be curtains for him.

Cameron Bancroft

He's been the form player in Shield cricket for two straight seasons, but his recent run of form has critics questioning whether Cameron Bancroft should get the nod.

The 31-year-old hasn't played Test cricket for more than five years and the sandpaper scandal from 2018 still lingers like a dark cloud over his head.

Those involved at Cricket Australia have been adamant that his role in that drama won't come into calculations at the selection table, but his form at domestic level has largely been ignored, even when David Warner retired last summer.

Bancroft would give the Aussies a left-hand right-hand combination at the top of the order and has received plenty of support in recent weeks.

He is expected to open the batting alongside Harris for the first Australia A fixture and it looms as a genuine last chance to make an impression for a recall.

Beau Webster

While he's an extreme outside chance to open the batting, Beau Webster has emerged as a like-for-like replacement for injured all-rounder Cameron Green in the squad.

The 30-year-old has been going about his business rather quietly in recent years for Tasmania, but is finally starting to earn some recognition.

Webster averages 37 with the bat and 38 with the ball and started his Shield season with a century in the Tigers' first match.

These fixtures could be vital in Webster's bid to earn a baggy green - whether it be this summer or some time next year.

Fergus O'Neill

Now we're into the real bolters, but hear us out.

Michael Neser and Scott Boland have been the back-up quicks for a few years at Test level, with both players featuring sporadically in the baggy green.

However, both players are in their mid-30s and won't be around forever, which is why Fergus O'Neill looms as a potential squad member for the Aussies this summer.

The 23-year-old tearaway has started to turn heads in recent years on the domestic scene, already taking 74 first-class wickets for Victoria at an average of just 20.

O'Neill produced a four-wicket hall against NSW recently and is certainly on the radar.

Corey Rocchiccioli

This is another real wildcard for the squad, but Corey Rocchiccioli has genuine claims to jump the queue as Australia's second-choice spinner.

The 27-year-old was tremendous last year for Western Australia, helping the side pick up the Shield title with his right-arm offies.

Rocchiccioli has taken 83 first-class wickets to date at an average of 30 and while Murphy still has the inside running to work under Nathan Lyon, there's reason to believe selectors could be swayed in these next two Australia A fixtures.