It took special exemption for Emma Manix-Geeves to debut for Hobart Hurricanes, but the ex-Riverside keeper is ready to catch her rival out.
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The 19-year-old replaced Emily Smith after a one-year ban that has been suspended for nine months was handed out for posting the official team lineup on social media before it was announced.
Cricket Australia said the action breached article 2.3.2 of the anti-corruption code.
"Obviously it wasn't the best circumstances, but I did know right from the start of this Big Bash I would be the replacement keeper if anything happened to Emily," Manix-Geeves said hours before Friday night's encounter with Brisbane Heat.
"So I was always prepared that potentially I was needed to fill in. This is not how I wanted that to happen and it's not good for Emily, but I was ready to go regardless of what the suspension was."
Manix-Geeves made her first appearance in Wednesday's win over Sydney Sixers - a week after the side was beaten at Invermay Park - but took the gloves for a first time on Bellerive Oval in the Hurricanes' seven-run loss.
A sharp stumping was the highlight of her evening, as the New Town top-order batter was forced to watch from the dugout in the final overs.
"An opportunity is an opportunity and I plan to make the most of that," she said.
"Opportunities do come in many ways and this is one."
ELSEWHERE IN SPORT
Manix-Geeves earned an initial contract with Cricket Tasmania two seasons ago.
The climb up the ranks had next extended to debuting for Tasmania in the WNCL 50-over games in September.
It went some way to easing the little more than crazy 24 hours to get her head around to playing in the world's best female T20 competition.
"I have been around these girls and trained with the girls not only for this year but last year as well," she said.
"It's not a foreign team to me. Basically it's like family so it's not too hard to fit in."
Manix-Geeves has been given a morale boost after watching good friend Courtney Webb excel for Melbourne Renegades this year.
"She does give me a lot of inspiration to keep at it that the results will come," she said, "and she's testament to that doing so well."
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Andrew Mathieson
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
