ACT Comets batsman Michael Spaseski is keen to make the most of his Futures League recall after being overlooked for the opening game of the summer.
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Left out to make way for former Test wicketkeeper Brad Haddin in the season opener, Spaseski wants to get back among the runs when the Comets take on the Victoria second XI at Junction Oval starting on Monday.
The 25-year-old has consistently been one of the leading run-scorers in the Cricket ACT first-grade competition for the past few seasons.
But he has sometimes struggled to translate those knocks in club cricket to the four-day games against the best players outside the first-class arena.
Spaseski admitted he wasn't sure if he would get his spot back in the team after the Comets claimed a first-innings victory against South Australia in their first game.
"It's great and a bit of a surprise, considering the round-one win the boys had, I thought it would be a pretty similar team, but I can't complain," Spaseski said.
"Over the last few years I've played pretty well. It's definitely a good surprise to be called back in.
"Obviously it is disappointing to miss out on games, but I've just got to do what I can do to get back in the team."
The Comets are arguably a stronger team than they were 12 months ago.
Comets playing/coach Aiden Blizzard brings a wealth of first-class experience from his time at South Australia and Victoria.
Blizzard is also still playing for the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash league.
Adelaide Strikers batsman Jono Dean has been recalled to the Comets team this season as has his younger brother Blake, who was the leading run-scorer in the ACT first-grade competition last summer.
"You need that in a high-quality environment such as the Comets," Spaseski said.
"You definitely strive to put performances on the park and earn your spot. If you expect to get picked every game, you become a bit complacent."
Spaseski has started out the season in great form for Eastlake, who finished on top of the table of the Gallop Cup.
After playing for the Prime Minister's XI side last year, Spaseski has ambitions to play at the next level.
"You probably wouldn't be playing Futures League if you didn't," he said. "This is the stepping stone for that end goal."
Spaseski has big shoes to fill after Haddin made a dream return for the Comets, smashing 104 off just 100 balls.
It was the 38-year-old Queanbeyan product's first game for the Comets in 16 years as he warmed up for the Big Bash.
Australian Twenty20 international leg-spinner James Muirhead has been selected in the Victorian team to face the Comets.
Meanwhile, ACT-Southern won the southern pool of the NSW Country Cricket Championships at Wagga Wagga on Sunday.
Mark Bennett (3-16) and Sam Taylor (3-53) helped restrict Western to 171 off 49.2 overs, with Dean Solway (81) helping ACT-Southern chase down the total with five wickets to spare.
FUTURES LEAGUE
Monday: ACT Comets v Victoria second XI at Junction Oval, Melbourne, 10.30am.
