Handscomb's Test prospects rising

Peter Handscomb was keen to play down his international prospects on Monday, but the Victorian's century in the Sheffield Shield final against South Australia has reinforced his claims as a future Test player.

The right-hander brought up his third century of the Shield summer at Glenelg's Gliderol Stadium on day three of the season decider, helping the visitors to a crucial first-innings lead of 59 and is not out on 15 at stumps on day four.

The innings of 112 was without a doubt Handscomb's most important of the season, after hundreds against Queensland in the opening round and the Redbacks in February helped contribute to his career-best season record of 723 runs at 40.16.

While Australia are unlikely to change their high-scoring top order for their Test tour of Sri Lanka in July and August, Handscomb could be considered as a reserve batsman along with Western Australia's Shaun Marsh.

The noted gloveman could also provide back up to 30-year-old wicketkeeper Peter Nevill in the touring party.

Speaking after play on day three, Handscomb said the prospect of an international call-up this year was the furthest thing from his mind.

"Not even looking near that," said the 24-year-old, who will head to India next month for his first stint in the Indian Premier League with new franchise Rising Pune Supergiants.

"I'm just concentrating on (the Shield final), hopefully we'll get the silverware here and then what happens happens. It's out of my control."

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On Australian first-class cricket's biggest stage, Handscomb showed he had what it takes to deliver.

He cut the ball exquisitely, capitalising on anything that was even slightly short outside off-stump and sending it to the boundary.

The 24 year old was also unstoppable on the drive, with 12 of his 18 boundaries either coming through point or down the ground.

He exhibited great control throughout the 201-ball knock, accelerating the innings on Sunday afternoon against the old ball, going to stumps at 79 not out from 147 balls, before being far more circumspect against the second new ball on Monday morning.

And although he didn't get to display it against South Australia (who opted not to play a spinner), Handscomb is renowned for his excellent footwork to spin-bowling.

Selectors indicated last September that Handscomb, who filled-in as captain of Victoria earlier this season, was on their radar when he was called away from county duties with Gloucestershire to join Australia's ODI squad for their series against England.

He also impressed on Australia A's tour of India in the middle of last year and has received strong public backing from former Test players Shane Warne, Ricky Ponting and Chris Rogers.

"I've been fortunate enough to have witnesses the improvement in Petey Handscomb and Marcus Stoinis over the last few years," Rogers told cricket.com.au in October of his former Bushrangers teammates.

"They're two guys who I think have the ability and the self-awareness and self-management to go all the way.

"So I have high hopes for those two and I think we'll see a lot more of them in the future."