Victoria’s Rob Quiney expects to slot into No.3 as a direct replacement for injured Australian batsman Shane Watson if he’s called into the first Test against South Africa.

The 30-year-old is primed for a Test debut at the Gabba with Watson considered highly unlikely to recover from a calf strain.

Quiney made an impressive 85 and unbeaten 11 for Australia A against South Africa at the SCG, successfully standing up to Proteas speedster Dale Steyn during a fiery onslaught.

The popular Bushrangers opening batsman arrived in the Australian camp in Brisbane on Sunday night and said he was yet to hear if he would be required when the Test gets underway on Friday.

“It was great news but obviously under bad circumstances for Shane so fingers crossed he can get up but I’m just preparing to play just in case,” Quiney told SEN radio on Monday.

With Ed Cowan and David Warner set to open against the world No.1-ranked Test nation, Quiney said he expected he would replace Watson at three in the batting order.

“I guess so, yes, but it doesn’t faze me too much because in the past I’ve filled holes in Victoria in a lot of different positions in the batting order,” Quiney said.

“If I get a game I’ll be stoked.”

Quiney had a brief chat with Australian coach Mickey Arthur upon his arrival at the team hotel but expected to learn more on Monday with team meetings planned.

A late bloomer, who averages 37.7 in a first-class career which began only in 2007, Quiney rated South Africa’s attack as formidable even in conditions that didn’t suit their bowlers.

“It’s a great attack,” he said.

“The wicket wasn’t really conducive to their bowling but they ramped it up and Dale Steyn bowled a fiery spell at us which was a sign of things to come so it will be a good challenge.”

The left-hander said he didn’t pin hopes of a Test call-up on his performance in the Australia A match.

“It couldn’t do any harm but I didn’t want to think too far ahead,” he said.

“I didn’t think something like this would happen too soon.”

A decision is expected on Watson following scans on Monday.