BEN Dunk knows the opportunities that next week’s Tweny20s against South Africa could open up if he can successfully translate his ‘‘master blaster’’ ways to the international arena.
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But he’s not about to let it distract him.
With the Australian wicketkeeping position post-Brad Haddin still very much up in the air, Dunk, along with ODI stand-in Matthew Wade, Dunk’s teammate Tim Paine, Peter Neville, Sam Whiteman and Chris Hartley are all seemingly vying for that position.
A good performance behind the stumps and with the bat for Dunk could give him an early advantage, with two keepers to be needed at the 50-over World Cup next year.
‘‘I’m not sure that they know who their keeper is going forward, so it is a great opportunity to have first crack at that,’’ Dunk said yesterday ahead of going into the Australian camp today.
‘‘The opportunity to play in a World Cup anywhere in the world, let alone at home, is always enticing, but that’s a fair way off I think.
‘‘But if I can put my name forward in the next couple of weeks and continue my good form, you just never know, but for me right now I need to focus on these next three games and make sure I can do everything I can to try to win a game for Australia.’’
Dunk, who replaces the unavailable Haddin, won his way into national colours after 403 Matador Cup runs (including 229 not out) at 67.16 and his player of the tournament performance in last year’s Big Bash League.
‘‘I feel like I’ve been hitting the ball well for a bit over 12 months now, so I’m glad some form of consistency is coming into my game,’’ Dunk said.
‘‘I think that is something I have struggled with.
‘‘[Tasmania coach] Dan Marsh has always been a good supporter of me and given me all the backing in the world to go out and play.
‘‘To have someone of his calibre standing in my corner has been a great help in the last 12 months and it has really pushed my game forward.’’
The first of the three match series starts at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday, with the second at the MCG Friday and the third at ANZ Stadium in Sydney next Sunday.