He has played just three Sheffield Shield games so it is not surprising Pat Cummins says earning a baggy green Test cap on Thursday would be "massive".
But the 18-year-old New South Wales paceman feels ready to step up if he is called on to debut as Australia attempts to square the series against South Africa in the second Test in Johannesburg.
Although captain Michael Clarke will not announce his XI until the morning of the match, it is believed Cummins is set to continue his meteoric rise through the ranks at the expense of either wayward Mitchell Johnson or in-and-out Peter Siddle.
Cummins only made his Sheffield Shield debut in March against Tasmania and went on to show he is a bowler with stamina as well as searing pace in the final.
In the first innings of the Shield final, won by Tasmania, Cummins completed a hefty 48 overs for 14 maidens and 3 for 118 at 2.45 an over.
Pace great Glenn McGrath played just eight shield games before his Test call, former skipper Steve Waugh had 10 and ex-keeper Ian Healy six.
Cummins said he naturally has his doubts, but with team support around him, he believes he is ready to fire.
"Yeah I think so, I think just watching the last few games and training hard over the last few weeks I think I've started to become closer to being ready," he said.
"But I guess you never really know until you're out there and bowling.
"I'm sure if I do get the chance it will be a good support group around the side and making me feel comfortable.
"It would be massive.
"A baggy green is every kid's dream and to receive one ... it'd be unreal."
Cummins does recall the Shield final as a tough ordeal for his developing body.
However, he said been with the Australian tour party in South Africa from the start more than a month ago and he feels satisfied in his preparation.
There have been concerns raised amongst experts about pushing Cummins too hard too early, particularly given he has already experienced back problems, although minor, in his fledgling career.
"I'm feeling as fit and strong as I ever have, so there's no way to find out until you actually start playing a few games but at the moment I feel pretty strong and we'll just see what happens," he said.
"It was pretty tough (bowling in Shield final), it was five days. We bowled a fair few overs.
"It was definitely taxing on the body and it was right at the end of the season so I'm not sure if that had anything to do with a little bit of a back issue.
"I think it was great experience and it was definitely a great time even though we were bowling for four days straight.
He has relished the Test match atmosphere on tour.
"Just the preparation and the behind the scenes behind each Test match played, there's a good week of solid training leading into every game and ... you can notice the differences straight away.
"You just feel more confident going into a game knowing you've done all the work."
Cummins has played at The Wanderers ground in Johannesburg already on tour, taking 2 for 26 in a fine performance in the second T20 match.
Although the Test pitch will be far different, Cummins says that run will still help him in terms of adjusting to the altitude on the highveld if he plays.
AAP
Tags: cricket, sport, south-africa, australia First posted November 16, 2011 21:06:03
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