The lure of a baggy blue is behind Nathan McAndrew's burning desire to shine in the Big Bash as the all-rounder's Sydney Thunder chase a top two berth.
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McAndrew studies engineering at university in between taking wickets and clearing pickets for the Thunder amid a breakout season in the BBL.
He has taken 12 wickets and strikes the ball at 226 but the 27-year-old is desperate to prove himself across all three formats for NSW.
"I've always thought of myself as a three-format player, I don't just think I'm a Twenty20 specialist," McAndrew said.
"Obviously I played two one-day games last year for NSW, I'd love to play as many one-day games as possible.
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"I definitely feel like I can contribute to the Shield side, we've got a very strong team and we've got a lot of depth in the bowling.
"It's certainly going to be difficult to get a spot but I feel like my game has definitely evolved over the past couple of years. I feel like I am definitely ready to play Sheffield Shield cricket.
"Opportunities are going to be tough to come by but I definitely feel like I'm ready."
More pressing for McAndrew is the chance to help the Thunder rediscover their winning ways with their next clash coming against Hobart at Manuka Oval on Monday night.
"We're still second on the table and we know we can finish strong and lock up a top two spot," McAndrew said.
"Obviously you want to win every game you play, but at the same time we're pretty relaxed and just focusing on the Hurricanes."