Marcus Harris has leapfrogged Matt Renshaw in the Ashes pecking order, with selectors indicating the Victorian will tour England as questions linger over David Warner's future.
Harris was the surprise inclusion in Australia's national contract list announced on Thursday, winning back his spot despite not playing a Test since January 2022.
His contract came ahead of the likes of Renshaw and Peter Handscomb, who both featured in last month's tour of India but were omitted from the 24-man list.
Most had assumed Renshaw was Australia's next opener after being recalled at No.6 for the SCG Test against South Africa in January.
The Queenslander had a lean run in his three innings in India, but last weekend scored a century in seaming conditions against New Zealand A while facing the Dukes ball.
But chief selector George Bailey said Harris was the preferred option.
"Harry was our spare batter throughout the Test summer at home," Bailey said.
"Matt Renshaw came in for him in Sydney as a bit of a precursor for a wicket we thought was going to play more like where we were about to head in India.
"But now looking ahead, back in England, another home summer and then some Tests in New Zealand.
"We certainly rate Harry's ability in those conditions. A really good, strong record in England as well.
"Part of (the contract criteria) is past performance, but certainly one is an eye to the future as well. That perhaps gives an indication of where we hold Harry."
Harris' contract comes with Warner under increasing pressure.
The veteran averaged 9.5 in the 2019 Ashes while Harris also limped to 58 runs at 9.66, as both were dominated by Stuart Broad.
Australia have always taken a back-up opener to England, but there are questions over whether Warner will hold his spot for the Ashes.
Coach Andrew McDonald said last month the veteran was "fully in Australia's plans" for the World Test Championship final against India at The Oval, the week before the Ashes begins.
Bailey stopped short of saying Warner's contract meant he was the man for the Ashes when asked on Thursday, with the left-hander's double-century in the Boxing Day Test his only triple-figure score in 32 innings.
"We're three formats across all of those contracts. Trying to fit that in is first and foremost, the job," Bailey said.
"But I think Dave, like any player is, is at the mercy of selection.
"The Ashes is a huge series. And we'll be looking to pick our best team.
"We're going to have to have our best team playing incredibly well too, to challenge England over there the way they're playing."
Todd Murphy was the other big winner of the contract lists after usurping the omitted Mitchell Swepson as Australia's second red-ball spinner.
An increase from 20 to 24 contracts also meant more deals were offered to back-up quicks with Lance Morris, Michael Neser and Jhye Richardson all on the list.
NATIONALLY CONTRACTED MEN'S PLAYERS:
Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa.
