Steve Smith is set to be left out of the Australian team to play New Zealand in the T20 World Cup clash in Sydney on Saturday.
The 33-year-old was a member of the World Cup-winning side last year but has struggled for runs in recent T20 internationals in India and at home.
Australian chairman of selectors George Bailey gave a strong clue about Smith's status for the upcoming clash at the SCG when asked whether he would have a role to play.
"I think all the members of our 15 have a role to play but I don't think that will be starting in the 11 for Steve," Bailey said.
"I think that should we need a role from him at some stage, then absolutely."
Smith's likely absence from the starting side will pave the way for Tim David to fill the No.6 role as a batsman.
Opener David Warner had a neck strain that ruled him out of the third T20 international against England and he did not play against India in the warm-up game on Monday.
Bailey said Warner was "fine" to play against New Zealand and was always set to sit out the India clash.
Allrounder Mitch Marsh has not bowled in a match since August due to an ankle injury. Bailey said he was not far away from bowling but could not guarantee that would be on Saturday.
"He is tracking well. I don't think it is any secret that our allrounders are an important part of our structure," Bailey said.
"I think he bowled 20 to 30 balls with pretty good intensity in the nets yesterday.
"I think he has hit all the markers that he wanted to but I think given the importance of that (allrounder) structure it is not something we wanted to risk too early but I fully expect that Mitch will be available and ready to go, whether that is Saturday or game two."
Pat Cummins said Australia were fortunate to have plenty of options with allrounder Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis more than capable of making a valuable contribution with the ball.
"You've seen Maxwell be a frontline bowler in one-day and T20 cricket," Cummins said.
"We feel like Stoinis can bowl anywhere in the innings and Maxwell can bowl in the power play or through the middle, so no problems there."
