THE 2020-21 Big Bash League was supposed to be Matthew Gilkes' coming out party.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After playing 11 matches through his two first seasons with the Sydney Thunder and recently extending his contract with the club until the end of the 2022-23 campaign, it appeared the Ulladulla product was destined to star for Shane Bond's men over the summer.
However, it appeared the lime green's coaching staff had other ideas, with the Ulladulla High School alumnus not appearing once for the side during their 15 matches.
"Unfortunately the selections didn't go my way this summer with the Thunder, which was disappointing," Gilkes said.
"I did everything I could leading into the tournament and continued to train hard over the summer, but that's the way it goes sometimes.
"Despite this, I'm still in a really good headspace, as the coaches have told me they see me as a long-term top order batsmen at the club.
"With such a stacked top-order, who all performed strongly, I couldn't force my way into the side but it's nice to have that security and know I'm still part of the club's plans.
"The coaches and I are happy with my progress, especially with the way I've improved my wicket-keeping and ability to play spin.
"I'm aiming to build on that form at training going into the rest of the season with the Blues."
The Thunder's assault on BBL10 ended on Sunday when they were defeated by seven wickets (3-162 to 8-158) by Brisbane at Manuka Oval.
"I thought the team played exceptionally well all summer and everyone played their role," the 21-year-old said.
"There's a feeling in the group that we missed a trick, as we believe we had the squad that could have gone all the way.
"Unfortunately, we were outplayed on Sunday, which happens sometimes in finals cricket."
Gilkes is currently enjoying time off back in Ulladulla before returning to Sydney to resume preparations with the Blues, as they attempt to defend their Sheffield Shield title as well as take out the one-day cup.
The Blues will first play Western Australia in a four-day fixture from February 19 at the SCG, before facing South Australia two weeks later at the Adelaide Oval.
These will be followed by matches against Victoria (from March 11), Queensland (March 20), Victoria (March 28) and South Australia (April 6).
Mixed in with all these Shield fixtures will be one-day games against Western Australia (February 24), South Australia (March 6), Victoria (March 16), Queensland (March 25), Tasmania (April 22 and 24) and Western Australia (April 27).
"This season has been extremely challenging due to COVID-19, highlighted by the ever-changing draw for the state competitions," Gilkes, who plans to play for UNSW in Sydney Premier Cricket in the coming weeks, said.
"On top of that, with the hub set-ups, if you're not in the starting team, it's been very hard to prove yourself, as you can't go elsewhere to get time in the middle.
"It puts more emphasis on training and when you do get your chance, it's important you grab it with both hands.
"I've put the Big Bash disappointment behind me now and I'm ready to string some strong performances together for NSW."