Spencer Johnson has conceded he will be stuck behind Australia's 'big three' quicks for several more years, believing a changing of the guard is still some time off.
Johnson claimed the best figures in Twenty20 international history by an Australian quick on Saturday night, bagging 5-26 in the 13-run win over Pakistan at the SCG.
The win wrapped up an unassailable 2-0 series lead over Pakistan, with Australia's brigade of back-up quicks doing the job in both matches.
Cricket Australia's decision to rest Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins from the three T20 matches has opened the door for Johnson to shine.
But the left-armer does not believe any of the three are likely to move on soon, with selectors still prioritising the trio for all major ICC events.
"I know the big three will be here for a long time," Johnson said.
"They're not going anywhere, they are only getting better. To be able to chop in and be part of the squad a lot more will only help me there.
"They are unbelievably durable and have done it for so long. They are definitely the benchmark.
"I have played three games for Australia (this month), and the play travel, play (cycle) is not as easy as it looks ... How they have done it for 10 years is amazing."
Australia's next major white-ball tournament is February's Champions Trophy, with only one ODI against Sri Lanka between now and that competition.
The next Twenty20 World Cup is also scheduled for India and Sri Lanka in 2026, where Johnson expects Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins will all still be playing at the ages of 36, 35 and 32, respectively.
But Johnson is happy to take the chances between now and then, as he's likely to round out the T20 series alongside Nathan Ellis and Xavier Bartlett against Pakistan in Hobart on Monday.
"It just gives an opportunity for guys like me, and you saw how Xavier bowled (at the SCG), to hopefully see one day we can step into that role full-time," Johnson said.
"The durability question mark is there for me, and, hopefully, the more I play the more durable I get."
Johnson did miss the winter tour of the United Kingdom after picking up a side strain in The Hundred, and is yet to play red-ball cricket this summer.
But the 28-year-old expects to play at least one Sheffield Shield match for South Australia before the Big Bash break, theoretically making him available for Border-Gavaskar Trophy action if called upon.
The most likely scenario would be if Starc was to face an issue, and Australia's selectors preferred to have a left-armer in the squad.
Johnson has taken 21 wickets at an average of 26 in first-class cricket, taking two five-wicket hauls in his first red-ball matches.
