Woodford export Tommy Jackson is looking forward to batting on some Perth wickets for the first time when he represents Vic Country at the Cricket Australia under 19 national championships in early December.
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The talented 18-year-old, who is a top-order batsman for Geelong Cricket Club, made the 14-player squad this week.
Vic Country will take on teams from other states in a series of one-dayers from December 2-12.
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Jackson, a part-time wicket-keeper, said he had put in a mountain of work during pre-season to set himself up for strong performances.
"I've worked pretty hard over the off-season," he said.
"I was training Monday and Wednesday nights with the futures league."
The landscaper was part of the Victorian Futures League Academy winter squad.
Jackson was mentored by high performance and specialist coaches and sessions encompassed skills, strength and conditioning, nutrition, sports psychology and performance management.
"I did a lot of gym work and hitting balls," he said.
"Probably the main thing I got from training at futures was an insight into what it would be like to be a professional cricket player.
"Just how dedicated you have to be to reach the top."
Jackson, who is no stranger to representing his state, first played for Vic Country in under 15s as a top-age player.
He also played under 19s last year as a bottom-age player.
The youngster has made scores of 45, 35 and 24 for Geelong but is yet to compile a big innings in the premier league this season.
But he acknowledged he made a slow start to last season and finished with a bang.
"It can turn around pretty quickly," he said.
He said he was grateful to his family for travelling from the south-west to watch him play for Geelong.
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