But Tuggeranong all-rounder Adam Ritchard has had to pull some strings with the man upstairs to be available for Sunday's John Gallop Cup one-day final.

The former Australian under-19 representative will play a key role with bat and ball in the 50-over decider under lights at Manuka Oval against Queanbeyan. Ritchard was one of the brightest prospects in the ACT, playing for the Australian under-19 team at the 2006 World Cup and for the PM's XI against England in the summer of 2006-07.

He continued to be a leading contributor for the ACT Comets, but the 26-year-old sat out the past two seasons after becoming disillusioned with the game.

Ritchard used his time away to focus more on his religious commitments with the Vision Christian Fellowship in Canberra.

''My heart wasn't really in it so I decided to have a bit of a break,'' Ritchard said.

''There were some things outside of cricket I really wanted to invest some time into … my wife and I are pretty heavily involved with the church.

''In the longer term becoming a minister is something I would like to do.''

Ritchard usually doesn't take to the field on Sundays, but made a promise to his Tuggeranong teammates he would be there if they made the finals.

He made an impact last week, top-scoring with 64 and taking 3-41 from his 10 overs in Tuggeranong's 18-run win in the semi-final against Eastlake.

''This season I haven't been playing on a Sunday, but I said if we happen to make the finals that I'd be happy to make an exception,'' Ritchard said.

One of Ritchard's proudest moments came at Manuka Oval when he faced a star-studded England team in 2006-07 featuring the likes of Andrew Strauss, Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff.

It was the first match of an Ashes tour which finished in a 5-0 whitewash to Australia.

''To be able to play against England in front of a packed house at Manuka Oval was something I was really humbled by and something I'll remember for a long time,'' he said.

''I bowled a few overs against some of their top-order players and got a couple wickets against their tailenders.''

Queanbeyan qualified for the grand final after beating Weston Creek Molonglo last weekend, and will have captain Blake Dean and opener Jono Dean back from Big Bash League duty.

SUNDAY

John Gallop Cup final: Tuggeranong v Queanbeyan at Manuka Oval, 2.30pm.