He is hitting the home straight of a hectic summer, but rest is the last thing on the mind of Canberra product Alex Ross as South Australia aim to end their 20-year Sheffield Shield drought.
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The 23-year-old rising star is focused on helping the Redbacks clinch the ultimate prize in domestic cricket when they host Victoria in the final at Glenelg Oval, starting on Saturday.
South Australia came from the clouds to finish on top and earn the right to host the decider, snatching an outright victory against Tasmania in the last round to go from fourth to first.
Lifting the Shield trophy would cap an outstanding season for Ross, who has established himself in all three formats of the game.
The classy middle-order batsman - named the Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year in January - is embracing the atmosphere ahead of South Australia's first Shield final since they last won the competition in 1995-96.
"Everyone's so excited and a little bit nervous, too, but it's been a good week of preparation and everyone's raring to go," Ross said.
"It's been 20 years in the waiting, so everyone's behind us, but at the same time there's a bit of expectation to try and bring something home for the state.
"After the Christmas break we were looking at a possible final needing two or three wins from our last five games.
"We had a few poor games then finished strong, so to get a home final was awesome."
Ross is in his fourth season with the Redbacks program, but this is the first summer where he has become a regular in the one-day and Shield teams.
He also played a key role for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League with his innovative shots and ability to find the boundaries.
"It's been a long season, my first really long season, to have not missed a game in the Big Bash, one-day and Shield formats," Ross said.
"It's my first real taste after four years of professional cricket and it's a tough environment, but this is exactly what we play and train for.
"I think if you had two broken legs you'd get dragged over the line with this game coming up, so I can't wait to play in it."
History is on South Australia's side.
NSW were the last team in 2005-06 to win the Shield final from second place on the table when they beat Queensland by one wicket.
Victoria will have to do the same with South Australia in the box seat knowing that a draw is enough to secure the title.
"Victoria have to chase the game and they have to go out and win, but I think the way we've been playing our cricket all year, I doubt the draw will come into it after five days," Ross said.
"I'm sure there will be a result and hopefully we can be on the right side of that."
Victoria have recalled former Australian fast bowler Clint McKay for the final.
SHEFFIELD SHIELD FINAL
Saturday-Wednesday: South Australia v Victoria at Gliderol Stadium, Glenelg from 11am (Canberra time).
