NOWRA’S Nic Maddinson believes the only way to get back the Test spot he lost last summer is to be the best batter on the domestic scene.
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And after scoring his second century in three matches to start the summer it's hard to argue he's not reached that goal already.
Maddinson posted 123 against the Cricket Australia XI on Sunday to match his 137 against Tasmania in Perth last week to remind those who had forgotten why he was handed a Baggy Green cap following the Test XI overhaul 11 months ago.
While he couldn't make the most of his opportunity in his initial three Tests, Maddinson is driven to get back into the Test side and he knows scoring bulk runs is the way to get there.
"The only way I can probably play higher honours again is to dominate Shield cricket and one-day cricket," Maddinson said after play at Hurstville Oval, where the Blues prevailed by 93 runs over the CA XI.
"It won't happen in two or three games.
"It's about pushing the standard higher and higher and being hungry for more runs every time I bat.
"I feel pretty confident where my game is at the moment so trying to make the most of it."
Maddinson spent some time away from the game last year after his mentally-draining Test debut and frantic KFC Big Bash League campaign.
But the 25-year-old is back refreshed and relaxed and will aim to finish off the JLT One-Day Cup with a third-straight title with NSW before turning his attention to the JLT Sheffield Shield.
With the Sydney Cricket Ground out of action due to the outfield being re-laid for the Magellan Ashes, NSW will host their round two Shield clash at Hurstville Oval, a fixture set to feature most of the current Test squad and several pushing for selection, including Maddinson.
"(It will) be interesting to see what the wicket is like," Maddinson said.
"In club cricket here the wicket is usually quite green and offers the seamers quite a bit so just depends on what wicket.
"To have Steve Smith and Dave Warner especially go out to bat at Hurstville Oval might feel a bit strange but it's a venue we know pretty well and just have to adapt.
"I'm pretty happy because it takes 20 minutes to get here."