Marcus Stoinis will return from a side injury in the Twenty20 series against England, but he hopes that doesn't close the door on Cam Green's T20 World Cup hopes.
Green was left out of Australia's World Cup squad when it was announced at the start of last month, before starring at the top of the order in the subsequent tour of India.
The 23-year-old remained at the top of the order for Wednesday night's T20 win against the West Indies, partnering David Warner as Aaron Finch moved down to No.4.
It prompted questions over why the allrounder was not part of Australia's initial World Cup squad, with ICC rules dictating changes can only be made in the event of an injury.
The most likely scenario for that loomed in the case of Stoinis, who is sitting out the West Indies series as he battles a side injury.
But Cricket Australia confirmed on Thursday that Stoinis is now fit to return against England, effectively closing the door on Green unless another injury occurs.
Stoinis said he would be fit to both bat and bowl in the T20 series opener against England in Perth on Sunday.
And the 33-year-old hasn't given up hope of Green earning a late call-up for the World Cup squad.
"For me and for us, Cameron Green is like our little brother here in WA," Stoinis told reporters on Thursday.
"We're proud of him. He's got such a good future ahead of him. You don't even need to talk about the future, he's good right now.
"I haven't thought much about the ICC rules ... I'm sure we can get him in the squad."
Green has been retained in the squad for the series against England.
Pat Cummins admitted after Wednesday night's win over the West Indies he wished there was a way for Green to be in the World Cup squad.
"If you look around Australian venues, you have big squares and bounce. Having a tall fast bowler is really beneficial," Cummins said.
"He can bowl in the first six overs and be a real wicket-taking option. If you need someone to bowl in the middle and be aggressive he can do that."
Kane Richardson and Ashton Agar will also return for the England games, with both part of the World Cup squad named last month.
Mitchell Swepson and Nathan Ellis will also feature in the three T20s against England.
Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Glenn Maxwell will all skip the series to freshen up ahead of the World Cup.
Australia will enter the World Cup as one of the favourites - a far cry to the lead-up to the 2021 edition in the UAE.
Matthew Wade and Mitch Marsh starred during that tournament to help Australia secure the title.
"It is nice to have a bit more positive media around our team leading into this World Cup," Stoinis said.
"But I do warn you, don't get too nice. (Matthew) Wade did play well last night, but don't get around him too much because he likes it when his back is up against the wall."
