Ever since Nic Maddinson picked up the bat at state level, those watching him knew he had something special.
On his Sheffield Shield debut the then 18-year-old smashed 113 for New South Wales, breaking a state record for the youngest century-maker on debut that had lasted for more than 70 years before Maddinson's wonderful innings.
He also made more than healthy impressions on his debut for NSW in one-day cricket and his international debut for Australia in a T20 match in 2013, although Maddinson has now reached his lifelong goal.
"It's the reason I started playing cricket," Maddinson said.
"It's the reason I still play cricket now, to try and play Test cricket for Australia.
"I think if that wasn't my goal I wouldn't be suiting up every week and fielding for two days' straight in the Sheffield Shield. It's always been my goal as a kid and it's still the main focus.
"I probably haven't been as consistent as I would have liked over the last couple of years in the four-day format but that's the area I probably work hardest at.
"It's a mental battle and that's probably where my game has to develop a little bit."
The 24-year-old has been around the Test fold for quite a while, having produced impressive Shield seasons over the past few years.
"Maddo said himself that his ton in the first innings of the WA game was one of the best that he has played, and it was a very mature innings," NSW coach Trent Johnston said last week.
"He was called up to the Australia A squad earlier this year and played well, and I think he has changed his mindset a bit as a result of that.
"I think we've all realised how gifted a cricketer Maddo has been.
"He got a bit more responsibility at end of last Shield season, when he took the captaincy at 23, and that matured him a lot.
"It's his time. If he was called on to wear the Baggy Green, I'd say he's ready."
