But perched atop the Union Club Hotel balcony with Sky Sports Radio’s Big Sports Breakfast co-host Terry (TK) Kennedy for a special Wagga Gold Cup outside broadcast on Friday morning, Slater revelled at the chance to plug the city.

Many jokes flew on air about the opening batsman’s connection to Wagga, including a listener’s message – playing on the fact Slater was dismissed in the 90s nine times during his Test career – joking that the city council had a 90-year lease on the Bolton Park oval named in Slater’s honour because it was worried how it would play in the 90s.

Slater took the opportunity to catch up with school mates, his influential coach Warren Smith and his dad Peter while in town.

“It’s been a great thrill to be back in my home town,” Slater said in signing off to listeners at the end of the show.

Later, he said it was always nice to come back to Wagga.

“It’s a strong reminder of my upbringing when I come back, everything is familiar but there are things I have not seen before,” Slater said.

“It’s good to see the town prosper.”

Mr Smith said it was “unbelievable” to have Slater and his show in Wagga.

“He is such a credit to the town,” Mr Smith said.

Union Club Hotel licensee Pat McRedmond said the broadcast had been a joint effort of his business, the William Farrer Hotel and Wagga City Council.

“We weren’t too sure what to expect, but it has taken off,” Mr McRedmond said.

“We will do it again next year and it can only get bigger and better.”

TK said he loved coming to country areas.

“The people love their sport so much,” he said.

“Country people are a massive part of our audience, and Wagga as such a massive sporting town tends to listen and watch in the morning.”

Mayor Greg Conkey said the radio program was fantastic publicity for the city, and people such as Slater and the host of other home-grown sports stars had been great ambassadors.