Before Australia's current tour of the United Arab Emirates to play Pakistan, the three all-rounders had represented Australia together in just three one-day internationals.

Those games were all in the West Indies last June and July, before Symonds was suspended from the team for disciplinary reasons and Watson was injured.

Watson and Symonds made their international returns in Dubai on Wednesday night.

Hopes said the fact he was playing alongside them was significant, given he started his one-day international career as a back-up to his more high profile Bulls teammates.

''That was my goal when I came in, not to be considered Shane Watson's replacement if he got hurt or Andrew Symonds's replacement if he got hurt,'' Hopes said. ''It was to be considered a player in my own right and stand alone in the team.''

It is a goal he has clearly achieved.

While Symonds is struggling for form on return and both he and Watson have missed large chunks of cricket, Hopes has become an automatic ODI selection and a reliable contributor over the past year.

Adaptability has been the key, having batted anywhere from opener to No8 in the order, while taking almost a wicket per game with his economical fast-medium bowling.

In 52 ODIs, he averages 24.02 with the bat at a strike-rate above 90, and has 45 wickets at an average of 32.33.

He has earned a reputation as a player ready to step up in a crisis, prompting Australian coach Tim Nielsen to tag him ''Mr Fix it''.

His performance against Pakistan on Wednesday night enhanced that reputation.

Hopes came in at 5-108 and within a few overs Australia slumped to 9-122, before he steadied the innings with an unbeaten 48 at better than a run a ball.

He then chimed in with 2-22 from eight overs to be clearly Australia's best player, albeit in a losing cause.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times