Wagga's number one cricketer Jon Nicoll is preparing himself for one of the biggest matches of his career next week.
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Nicoll got the shock of a lifetime on Thursday when he was informed of his selection in the Australian Country team via email.
Nicoll will get the opportunity to play for Australian Country in a Twenty20 match against the Australian Cricketer's Association in Geraldton next week.
The match, on January 4, will lead into the Australian Country Cricket Championships, where Nicoll will represent NSW Country.
"It's a bit of a shock. I had no idea," Nicoll said.
"It's unbelievable really. It's something I'll be pinching myself about until the opportunity actually comes around.
"It's something I'll remember for a really long time and I'm looking forward to such an amazing opportunity.
“It will be a great experience."
Nicoll has once previously been selected for Australian Country, in 2010, after starring as captain of ACT at the Australian Country Championships in Albury.
That was a Merit team and they were never able to play a game.
He has since had the baggy Australian Country cap framed and it is hanging up on his wall at home.
"In 2010 it was a bit of a buzz and there was talk of a game but we never ended up playing," he said.
"This is huge."
Nicoll’s selection comes after he starred for Riverina at the southern section of the NSW Country Championships.
He finished the three-day tournament with an average of 111.
Nicoll and fellow batsman Jordan Moran were the only two players selected from NSW Country.
The pair will be aiming to lead NSW Country to the Australian title afterwards, where they will play five Twenty20 and five one-day matches from January 5-13.
"I'm buzzing," Nicoll said.
"I'm all done with my preparation work, I'm as fit as I can be and ready to roll. I'm looking forward to getting over there and into it."
Nicoll thanked Ian Daines for helping his preparation.
