Big-hitting opener D'Arcy Short fully expected to be on tour in England this month - but with the Australian indigenous side not the international one-day squad.
The 27-year-old WA batsman and part-time spinner, who hails from Katherine in the Northern Territory, was set to be part of the 13-man indigenous squad that will be skippered by former Australia allrounder Dan Christian.
But he was given the call to tour with the national side by his former state coach Justin Langer who wanted an explosive replacement at the top of the order for the suspended David Warner.
Short, who holds the Big Bash run-scoring record for a season, was bought for $775,000 IPL side Rajasthan Royals.
The move came about after he made his T20 debut against New Zealand in what's been whirlwind few months for the 27-year-old.
He's in line to open the innings with Aaron Finch on Thursday against Sussex in Australia's first warm-up match at Hove and although excited at the prospect, admits to having mixed feelings.
"I would have definitely have like to do both if I could have," Short said.
"But Australian selection takes over and I am definitely excited to be a part of this squad.
"The boys will join us for training at Lord's tomorrow (Wednesday) and it means a lot for them to tour here.
"They will get to play against some good county sides. It's good for them and good for the indigenous game."
The historic tour of England, which is being undertaken by men's and women's teams, marks the 150th anniversary of the first trip by an Australian side in 1868.
The men's team will wear a shirt bearing the name of one of the original tourists throughout the tour which started with wins for both against Sussex at Arundel on Tuesday.
Short believes his path to the ODI side, where he follows in the footsteps of Jason Gillespie, Christian, Scott Bolan as the only indigenous men to play for Australia, can serve as a sign of hope to other players looking to make their way in the game.
"I think it puts a little bit of belief into them that they can go further," Short said.
"It certainly did for me, getting a go there then making my way into the state side and then the Aussie side. It's certainly a good pathway for them.
"It means a lot that they have the opportunity to come over here."
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