George Bailey could be forgiven for cursing his luck, with Tasmania's reward at the end of a gruelling period of travel a home clash with runaway Sheffield Shield leaders Victoria.
Bailey and his men have criss-crossed Australia since September for one-day games in Townsville, Sydney and Melbourne and Shield matches in Brisbane, Perth and at the SCG.
The Tigers started their Shield campaign with a win over Queensland at the Gabba in a match that began five days after their one-day final loss to Victoria at Junction Oval.
The Tasmanian skipper admits it's been a tricky travel schedule but he's glad to be returning to Blundstone Arena, with his side sitting third on the table with a win, a loss and a draw.
"We're confident but Victoria are always challenging," Bailey said of the round four clash that gets underway on Saturday.
"I don't think we've played our best cricket yet so it will be a good challenge for us to step up against the ladder leaders.
"We've had a pretty taxing time. I think we left home for the one-day competition on September 10 then into three away games ... it's been a long time away from home.
"... But we back in the way that we play here. We think we've got a game plan that suits so we're confident."
The Vics are nearly 10 points clear on top of the table and should be further in front.
Peter Handscomb's men were poised for their third outright win from three rounds before rain washed out the last day's play against South Australia at the MCG.
Adding to Tasmania's task is the inclusion of dangerous spinner Jon Holland, who replaces Fawad Ahmed.
Former NSW paceman Gurinder Sandhu is a chance to make his debut for Tasmania after he was added to the squad in place of the injured Tom Rogers.
Sandhu starred in the one-day final loss with seven wickets but has been made to work hard to earn a spot in the Shield line-up.
"I think when anyone moves and is challenged that they won't be a walk-up start (it's tough)," Bailey said.
"But to see him respond the way he has - he's doing absolutely everything we've asked of him, which is fantastic."
