“I’ve come into the sides in different positions over a number of years,” McDermott said.

“It’s really nice to get into a familiar position for me at the top of the order, where I batted for the Hurricanes this season.”

McDermott and Inglis replaced the resting David Warner and Mitchell Marsh and looked right at home despite not being first choice players.

“With Davey away I’m sure he’ll come back into the side pretty nicely. I haven’t thought too far ahead but it was nice to get that opportunity tonight,” McDermott said.

“David Warner and Aaron Finch do an excellent job up there in a World Cup-winning side.

“It would be nice to keep scoring runs and put my name up there.”

McDermott and Inglis added 50 inside six overs, with the only other worthwhile contribution coming from Marcus Stoinis (30 from 17 balls) as Australia lost 7-65.

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The only wicket to fall in the first 8.3 overs before a rain interruption was skipper Aaron Finch (8 from 12 balls), who survived a tight lbw review and mid-pitch run out opportunity before being bowled attempting to lift a wrong-un from Hasaranga de Silva down the ground.

McDermott opened the batting in place of Warner and showed why he was the leading run-scorer in the Big Bash.

The Hobart Hurricanes heavy hitter looked in fine touch, out-scoring Finch and twice swinging the ball over the leg side for six in his first 30 runs before the initial showers arrived.

McDermott’s third six shortly after the resumption disappeared into the second deck of the O’Reilly Stand and brought up his highest international score, passing the 35 he made against Bangladesh in Mirpur during a difficult tour in August.

In 17 previous matches up and down the order over more than three years, McDermott had been a bit part player in Australia’s T20 team but with Warner absent, he now has the chance to make a strong impression at the top of the order.