The batsman and wicketkeeper, 29, will finally make his debut for Australia in the Lord's Test after Brad Haddin stepped down for family reasons.

Nevill is from Hawthorn, but he left to try his luck in NSW in his early 20s when he missed out on a wicketkeeping position for the Bushrangers, a spot filled by Tasmanian recruit Matthew Wade.

That is a selection decision that some have come to question with the benefit of hindsight, but then coach of Victoria Greg Shipperd said it was the right call.

Nevill was a terrific young player and his talents were nurtured in Victoria, Shipperd maintains.

But selectors at the time were spoiled for choice, with Tim Ludeman, Adam Crosthwaite, Nevill and Wade all competing for the gloves in Victoria.

"Wicketkeepers are strong, disciplined, you have to find your place," Shipperd said.

Ludeman went on to play for South Australia, Crosthwaite left for NSW and South Australia.

Nevill became a stalwart for NSW, while Wade has played for Victoria ever since and made it to the top level in all three formats. Wade's Test career began when Haddin's daughter fell ill in 2012, and he is a tough, heavy-scoring batsman.

Nevill, though, is renowned for his excellent glovework.

His former MCC teammates remember Nevill as a cricketer who always looked likely to succeed.

Andrew Kent was playing for the MCC first XI when Nevill joined the group.

Kent, a few years older, was immediately impressed with his ability, technique and work ethic. He was also a popular teammate.

"He was definitely one of the boys, the perfect person you want on your cricket team."

Nevill was MCC club champion in 2007, awarded for his 666 runs from 18 matches, including three centuries.

He was also responsible for 29 dismissals, 28 catches and one stumping.

But he left Victoria for NSW the next year.

"It was a brave move to go to NSW with no certainty and guarantees," Kent said.