Big-hitting Travis Head aims to draw on his Big Bash League (BBL) exploits when he joins the Australian squad for the ODI tri-series in the Caribbean in June.
The 22-year-old Head gained a surprise call up in the 16-man squad named on Wednesday for the series against hosts West Indies and South Africa, as selectors look ahead to the 2019 World Cup title defence.
It made for a bittersweet day for the South Australian captain, coming just before his Redbacks had their Sheffield Shield drought extended when beaten by Victoria in a home final.
While Head could only muster scores of 21 and one in the Shield final, he was named the competition's player of the year last week.
He also hit 193 runs at 42.71 in nine matches for the Adelaide Strikers in the BBL, leading to his Australian debut in two Twenty20 matches against India.
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"I want to play in big games and I think when you play for Australia every game's big," Head said.
"Over the Big Bash I was able to (perform) in front of big crowds and it's something I pride myself on."
Head's inclusion for the ODI tour came with Shaun Marsh not considered tour due to the impending birth of his first child.
"Travis has put in some match-winning performances in all three formats of the game this summer," said chairman of selectors Rod Marsh.
"He is an exciting young batsman with a bright future and if he gets his opportunity I have no doubt he will make the most of it."
Champion paceman Mitchell Starc will make his expected and long-awaited return to spearhead Australia's attack in the June series after four months out following an ankle surgery.
Test offspinner Nathan Lyon, overlooked for the World T20, has been given another chance to shine in the canary yellow after being included alongside legspinner Adam Zampa.
So too has wicketkeeper Matthew Wade, who also missed the World T20.
Along with Head, skipper Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner, Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja and George Bailey were the other batsmen included in the big touring party.
Pacemen Josh Hazlewood, John Hastings and Nathan Coulter-Nile were also all picked, while automatic allrounder selections Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Marsh and James Faulkner round out the squad.
Australia's 16-man squad: Steve Smith (capt), David Warner, George Bailey, Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, John Hastings, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.
