Like the rest of his Australian teammates, Adam Voges would love to boost his hopes of an Ashes call-up in the one-day series against England.
But the veteran all-rounder believes the start of the new-look domestic cricket season will prove the true selection trial for those pushing for Test selection this summer.
Voges is among several players thought to be under consideration for the vacant No.6 batsman spot in the home Test series against England.
And while the 33-year-old can help his chances with strong performances in the remaining three games of the ODI series, he feels domestic first-class performances will count for more.
Under the new domestic calendar announced last week, the Sheffield Shield will begin on October 30, with three rounds to be played before the start of the home Test series against England.
“If you look at the fixtures that have come out, there’s going to be an opportunity for a few guys there to press their claims at the start of the season,” Voges told AAP.
“There’s probably plenty of guys in that boat who want to press their claims.
“At the moment my focus is purely on this series for now and we’ll look at the Shield season when we get there.”
Voges, who will be 34 when the Ashes begin, would love to be considered for a Test debut but he has plenty else on his plate in the next few months.
After the ODI series, Voges will head to India with the Perth Scorchers for the Champions League Twenty20.
“After that and we get back to Perth, obviously Shield cricket will become a big focus and we’ll see how we go,” said Voges, who made 16 not out and took 1-32 against England in Manchester on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Voges on Tuesday joined a chorus of praise for fellow Ashes contender Mitchell Johnson.
The 31-year-old fast bowler has firmed for a Test recall with his impressive form in the UK, taking 2-36 from 10 overs in Manchester as Australia went 1-0 up in the series.
His hopes of Ashes selection have been boosted further by the serious back injury to young left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc.
“Facing him in the nets and watching him over these last few games, his pace is right up,” Voges said of Johnson.
“He’s bowling fast, swinging the ball and making life for England’s top order tough work.
“I know there’s been a lot of talk about Mitch possibly playing in the (return Ashes) series.
“He’s doing everything right at the moment.”
Johnson continues to be a source of fun for English crowds, but Voges said those who jeered him were only spurring him on.
“The crowd don’t miss him, do they? Every opportunity they get, even when we were up in Scotland they didn’t miss him up there either,” Voges said.
“But I actually think he relishes it.”