Every weekend, 16-year-old Mac Wright sits behind the steering wheel, with his dad in the passenger seat, and drives a seven-hour round trip to play in the Canberra first-grade competition.
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But next Monday's journey from Pambula on the NSW south coast will be different.
Wright won't be bowling his leg-spinners at senior club cricketers or batting against handy fast bowlers.
Instead, he'll be facing up to England quicks Stuart Broad and James Anderson, and have his action, modelled on the great Shane Warne, put under the ultimate examination from a world-class batting line-up.
The budding all-rounder has been included in the ACT side to take on England in a warm-up game at Manuka Oval before he backs up two days later as the 12th man for the PM's XI.
Wright was given an introduction on what to expect when he bowled to England's batsmen during a net session on Friday.
Originally a fast bowler, Wright changed to leg spin four years ago and quickly began taking a leaf out of Warne's book, analysing as many clips as he could.
"I watch as many YouTube videos as I can to copy his action," Wright said.
"I wish he was still playing so I could watch him, but it's great to have him to copy in a way.
"Bowl leg spin like Warnie, that's the goal."
Wright admitted to more than a few nerves when he was bowling to England batsman Ravi Bopara in the nets.
"The first few balls, I was trying to land them," Wright said.
"When the nerves settle down it makes it easier.
"I'm able to calm down a bit and know what I should be bowling."
Wright is in his second season playing with Weston Creek Molonglo in the Canberra first-grade competition.
He's been batting in the top order and was also the second-leading run scorer at the recent under-17 national championships in Hobart.
"Last year was my first year in Canberra and that was a shock," he said.
"The step up from coast cricket to Canberra cricket – none for 100 and got carted around.
"This year, I'm more comfortable in the standard."
Wright is one of four players from the Canberra competition in the ACT side, along with Eastlake pair Vele Dukoski and Josh Bennett, and Ginninderra fast bowler Cameron Suidgeest.
Canberra product David Dawson will captain the ACT team which also includes NSW batsman Scott Henry and PM's XI representative Matt Condon.
Gallop Cup leaders Weston Creek (25 points) are assured of a place in the top four ahead of Saturday's final round before the finals.
Second-placed Wests/UC (19) have a narrow buffer from Queanbeyan and North Canberra Gungahlin (both 16), with Eastlake and Tuggeranong still in the hunt.
ACT side to play England on Monday at Manuka Oval: David Dawson (c), Matt Condon, Scott Henry, Nick Larkin, Andrew Harriott, Vele Dukoski, Daniel Magin, Mac Wright, Lewin Maladay, Shane Devoy, Mitch Phelps. (Not batting) Josh Connolly, Greg West, Josh Bennett, Cameron Suidgeest.
SATURDAY: Gallop Cup: Ginninderra v North Canberra Gungahlin at Kippax 1. Tuggeranong v Weston Creek Molonglo at Chisholm. ANU v Eastlake at ANU North. Wests/UC v Queanbeyan at Jamison Oval. All games start at 11am.
