So the Adelaide Strikers recruit knows better than most the impact a strong performance on the international stage can do for a Canberra cricketer.

Comets and Eastlake batsman Michael Spaseski will get his chance to shine for the PM's XI in Tuesday's match with England at Manuka Oval, while Tuggeranong left-arm orthodox spinner Shane Devoy is 12th man.

Dean did exactly that last year, smashing a quick-fire half-century and helping the 29-year-old land a Big Bash League contract with the Strikers. He is one of four Canberra players in the past six years who have gone on to earn state or BBL deals.

Paceman Ben Oakley is a teammate of Dean's at the Strikers, wicketkeeper-batsman Ryan Carters is with NSW and the Sydney Thunder, while left-arm quick Jason Behrendorff is with WA and the Perth Scorchers.

''These opportunities don't come around very often, especially in Canberra,'' Dean said.

''It's about performing at the right time and in front of the right people. It's a game the Comets boys really strive to compete in.''

Spaseski has had a golden summer with the blade, scoring more than 800 runs in the ACT first-grade competition and the national second-tier competition, the Futures League.

''He's taken his game to another level in the past year or two,'' Dean said.

''He's always had the skill, but the big improvement has been his ability to apply himself mentally to the game situation.

''If he bats in the middle order, he'll be able to accumulate early, then he's got the ability to go whack, so hopefully we see some fireworks late in the innings.''

Dean made the most of his opportunity, smashing 51 from just 40 balls against the West Indies in a match broadcast live on Fox Sports.

That led to him winning a contract with the Strikers in this year's BBL.

''I was nervous and excited,'' Dean said. ''I'm at a different stage of my career than [Spaseski].

''For me, it was almost a last roll of the dice, whereas [Spaseski] has a bright future ahead of him, especially if he does well tomorrow.''

Dean has been battling a hip injury, but hopes to be available for Thursday's BBL match with the Perth Scorchers at the WACA.