Australian leg-spinner Georgia Wareham says she is ready to take her opportunity and achieve a childhood dream.
The 22-year-old is part of Australia's squad for a multi-format series - three one-day internationals, a Test and three twenty20s - against India that starts on September 21.
It is the first time Australia has met anyone other than England in a multi-format series with the same points system used in the women's Ashes to apply.
Two points are on offer for each limited-overs win and four for victory in the Test. A draw or tie in the Test will see teams split the points.
This year's test (September 30 to October 3) will be the 10th played between the two countries in 44 years.
Wareham said it was exciting to get the opportunity to play in her first Test and score Australian cricket's most sought after cap - a baggy green.
"I was gutted to not play that last Test against England (in 2019) so hopefully this time I get the opportunity," she said.
"I feel like the ball is coming out OK and I have got a few games to play before the Test so if that opportunity comes up I feel I'm ready for it.
"Most young Aussies who love sport dream of wearing a baggy green and I grew up with test matches and it was what was on TV.
"Not seeing the women's game on there didn't change my goal of wearing a baggy green and if I get that opportunity it will be amazing."
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Wareham hasn't been in action for the Australia since April when the women faced the White Ferns in a limited over series in New Zealand.
In that time, the Mortlake export returned home to the south-west to spend time catching up with family, friends and to refresh ahead of a big summer with the national team and the Melbourne Renegades.
Wareham said she was excited to play under close friend Sophie Molineux, who will captain the Renegades in the new WBBL season.
"We've got a young group with a good mix of youth and experience and we have Jess Duffin coming back in with some big internationals so it's really exciting," she said.
The Renegades' WBBL|06 starts on October 16 against Hobart Hurricanes.
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Sean Hardeman
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
