HE sat patiently and watched on as his Sydney Thunder teammates reached the Big Bash League finals without him, but Ulladulla's Matthew Gilkes intends to make the most of his opportunity back in the sky blue of NSW.
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The Shoalhaven product has been named as the starting wicket-keeper for the Blues' one-day fixture with Victoria at North Sydney Oval on Monday.
"I'm extremely excited to be named in the side, as I've been champing at the bit to get some game time," Gilkes said.
"Especially being a young keeper and lining up among this star-studded line-up with so many internationals - it's something you can only dream about.
"They are all outstanding individuals, who set high standards and bring a wealth of experience, that can only make me a better all-round cricketer."
This fixture will mark the first time the 21-year-old has played for his state since November 20, 2019 when he made 11 runs in his side's 120-run one-day loss to Tasmania at Blundstone Arena.
"It's been a long time between appearances for me, so I'm keen to make the most of this opportunity and reward the coaches' faith in me," the Ulladulla High School alumnus said.
"With the one-day season wrapping up early last year and our team not playing to our full potential, I know everyone is keen to have a bounce-back campaign.
"The boys are unbeaten through this season's opening three Sheffield Shield fixtures and we are all keen to build on that in our one-day opener."
"Phil Jacques [coach] has told me to prepare as if I could open or bat in the middle order - it will all depend on how the game plays out," he said.
"He has confidence in me and has told me to back myself, which I intend to do.
"To be honest, I feel like I've been seeing the ball really well all season, I just haven't had the chance to prove it yet, as I haven't played as much as I had hoped."
If they are to chalk up an opening-round win against the 2018 one-day champions Victoria, headlined by Nowra's Nic Maddinson, Gilkes knows his side will need to be at their best.
"Victoria is a great side and has been exceptionally strong in all formats the past few years," Gilkes said.
"It's always fun to come up against a fellow Shoalhaven product in Maddo.
"He's an awesome bloke, who I always want to do well, except when we come up against them.
"It's going to be a tight tussle, because of how small of a ground North Sydney Oval is.
"It's notoriously tacky early, so if we bat first, it's important we make a strong start and put our foot on the accelerator at the end.
"With the ball, early wickets are key at North Sydney, as it's very hard to defend a total there.
"However the match plays out, I'm confident our side can come away with the victory."