Henry Hunt has gone from hitting sixes out of the paddock in rural NSW to lighting up the domestic cricket scene.
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The Queanbeyan product has earned a rookie contract with South Australia as they look to put points on the board after a winless season of the Sheffield Shield.
Hunt's deal comes a day after three Canberrans secured state contracts. Matt Gilkes landed a rookie deal with the NSW Blues while Tom Rogers (full contract) and Mac Wright (rookie) re-signed with Tasmania.
"It's a great opportunity and I'm so fortunate that South Australia came forward," Hunt said.
"A lot of hard work and dedication behind the scenes finally landed me something. I'm really excited for this opportunity."
The 22-year-old's inclusion in the squad comes after he equaled the fastest century in the Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup last November.
Hunt joined Eastern Suburbs in Sydney and smacked 104 off just 45 deliveries against UNSW to match former South African international Johan Botha for the fastest hundred.
"Runs are currency so if I can put scores on the board early and play second level cricket that would be great," Hunt said.
"But I'll get the chance to play alongside first and world class players in their squad and hopefully I'll be able to pick their brains to benefit myself.
"To be able to learn the craft of batting with people like Travis Head and Alex Carey will be pivotal in me improving and becoming a better cricketer. I can't wait."
Hunt, batsman Jacob Dickman and quick Tim Oakley are the three new rookies included in the 28-player list to be captained by Australian Test cricketer Travis Head.
Head returns alongside leg-spinner Adam Zampa, paceman Kane Richardson and wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey to the experienced Redbacks side.
Cricket SA high performance general manager Tim Nielson said their regular absence will give the younger players an opportunity to shine at domestic level.
"It means we must have an eye on rejuvenating the squad across the next couple of years," Nielson said.
"We have faith in our experienced players but we need more consistency in this group. We also need the young players in our system to keep growing and developing if we are to build success at domestic level."
Kelvin Smith, Elliot Opie and rookie Michael Cormack were delisted while batsman Jake Winter declined a contract renewal.
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
