Another appearance in the baggy green is the ultimate goal for Glenn Maxwell, but performing well in Bushranger blue is his sole focus right now.
Maxwell did his Ashes chances no harm with a well-crafted half-century for Victoria in their Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia on Sunday.
The Bushrangers were 9-337 at stumps on the second day at the MCG in reply to the Redbacks' first innings total of 322.
Maxwell pressed his claims on the No.6 spot in the Australian Test line-up, with a 120-run partnership with centurion Marcus Harris before he was bowled by Daniel Worrall on 60 from 113 balls.
Maxwell was circumspect early in his innings, making 16 from his first 63 balls, but picked up the pace after lunch.
He smashed eight fours and a six before a bouncer from Worrall struck him on the chest, the ball bouncing back onto his stumps.
The 29-year-old would love to retain his spot in Australia's line-up but he can't afford to be thinking about the first Test at the Gabba when he's out in the middle for Victoria.
"I've got no idea," Maxwell replied when asked about his chances of earning an eighth Test appearance.
"That's a massive uncontrollable that I'm not really too concerned about right at the moment.
"I'm just worried about the position (Victoria) are in right now and making sure that I help the team."
Maxwell was pleased to occupy the crease for a long stretch rather than looking to hit or clear the boundary ropes in his customary swashbuckling manner.
"This past 12 months I've been extremely confident in my defence especially against fast bowling - just making sure that I've been tight and there's no gaps there," he said.
"I think that's probably shone through ... I've looked a lot more comfortable at the crease and been able to be involved in partnerships."
Harris made 103 off 138 balls with his knock including 12 fours and two sixes.
Victoria were poised to build a big lead at 4-325, but lost five wickets for just 12 runs to close out the day.
Chris Tremain and Fawad Ahmed are the not-out batsmen overnight on four and nought respectively.
