The next great Australian spinner is on his way, but the road may be a long one for him.
That's the view of former Sri Lanka and current Western Australia coach Tom Moody, who believes the current crop of Australian spinners jostling for selection in the national side need many more games under their belts before being prepared to challenge teams from the subcontinent.
Moody cast his doubts on Friday whether there were any ready-made replacements for the retired Shane Warne, Stuart MacGill or Brad Hogg.
And, although Victorian Bryce McGain and Tassie spinner Jason Krejza are in the party touring India at present, there's no guarantee they will keep their spots, leaving the door open for players like Beau Casson (NSW) and Aaron Heal (WA) or South Australian pair Cullen Bailey and Dan Cullen.
"I think any spinner in Australia should be making sure their passport's up to date to be honest with you," Moody said when asked if Heal could become an international contender this season.
"Aaron's no different to any other. He's got still a long way to go like a lot of spinners, including the spinners in India at present, before they really reach their full potential."
"But he's one player you should keep an eye on, because his worth ethic and his professionalism are second to none and I hope that he has a solid start to the season."
Heal, a 25-year-old left-arm orthodox spinner, made four Pura Cup appearances last summer but was his state's equal-leading wicket-taker in the KFC Big Bash Twenty20 competition and gets his chance for WA following Hogg's retirement.
Moody believed Heal had as good an opportunity as anyone to eventually stake his claim in the national side, although he also feels none of Australia's current spinners were ready to face India's batsmen on their home turf during this tour.
"It's a big question mark isn't it?" said Moody. "(None of them have a) lot of experience on the board and (they've) never been anywhere near a Test match or a five-day game."
"It's a big call for the McGains and Krejza who are already over there and he's (Heal) in the same boat as those guys. He's played as much first class cricket as the two that are currently there."