The 37-year-old started the year hailed as one of the key players for Australia but approaches Christmas in the midst of a poor run with the bat that has taken the gloss off his contribution to the side.

Haddin has long viewed his role as a wicketkeeper first and batsman second, but knows the rules have been rewritten in the post-Adam Gilchrist era.

The consummate team man, Haddin has never cared much for numbers. When quick runs are needed, he is always prepared to sacrifice his wicket for the team rather than chase red ink.

The Australian hierarchy also appreciate his input in the dressing room, particularly with a rookie captain in place and Michael Clarke facing a lengthy stretch out injured.

Haddin starred in Australia's 5-0 whitewash of England but, while his glovework has remained of a high standard, his runs have dried up.

With 92 runs in his past seven Tests at an average of 8.36, Haddin knows he needs a big score soon to silence the chatter about his future.

"We need Brad to make runs, he knows that," Lehmann said on Sunday. "He's been working really hard behind the scenes. He'd be disappointed with a couple of Test matches so far. He does offer a lot behind the scenes, which we really love, and his keeping has been exceptional.

"But still he's got to make some runs. We can't have our No.7 not making any runs, he knows that. He's working really hard on it, so hopefully he'll get some runs in Melbourne."

A big knock in Melbourne or Sydney will book him a ticket to the Caribbean and the Ashes, but selectors face a difficult call if his lean run continues.

In Haddin's favour is the lack of a clear heir apparent as only Matthew Wade and Peter Nevill head the list of possible replacements.

Lehmann has also publicly challenged Shane Watson to come good with the bat. Worrying for a No.3, he is averaging 24 this year and is yet to pass 50 in eight innings.

The all-rounder, however, played a vital role with his lively seamers in Brisbane that will continue in Melbourne with Mitchell Marsh sidelined. That may lead to a move down the order to No.6 after the selection of uncapped Queenslander Joe Burns.

"We think Shane Watson did a really good job for us with the ball," Lehmann said. "Obviously we'd like him to make more runs but he did a good job with the ball and he can do that all-rounder role for us. That's why we went with a batter."

Watson's 27.4 overs in Brisbane were the most he had bowled in a Test since Hobart in 2012, where he bowled 47.4 overs and broke down the following Test.

"Watson bowled really well, he was one of our best bowlers," Lehmann said. "Didn't get the wickets he'd like, but he certainly did the job we needed at the time. [He had] very good control. Bowled a lot more overs than normal, which was great to see. Expect him to do the same in Melbourne."

Selectors expect David Warner to have suffered no worse than a bruised thumb and did not pick a shadow batsman in the 13-man squad.

"The initial signs were good," Lehmann said. "I'm pretty confident he's going to be fine."

Marsh could not be considered because of a hamstring strain, but has not been ruled out for the fourth Test, starting January 6.

Ryan Harris, who missed the second Test with a slight quadriceps strain, bowled in the nets on Sunday and is expected to play in Melbourne, though a final call will be made later in the week.