Blackcaps quick Lockie Ferguson understandably has an extra spring to his step, after hearing of his 'promotion' to the New Zealand test squad for the first time.
After excelling with the white ball in the past year - particularly at the World Cup where he was named to the Team of the Tournament - Ferguson is now in the frame to unleash his searing pace in the NZ whites, with selection to the 15-man squad group to face England and Australia this summer.
"Obviously, I'm pretty excited," said Ferguson. "It's a goal I've been working to for a very long time.
But the 28-year-old is well aware that's no guarantee of a black baggy cap. He'll first have to earn his way into an established fast-bowling unit of Trent Boult, Neil Wagner and Tim Southee that has powered the team towards the top of world rankings.
"We've got three world-class bowlers, who have been doing an exceptional job for us and put us at No.2 in the test rankings. It's fantastic to be in and around, and learning off those guys, as well.
"It's going to be a tough team to break into, but obviously, there's a lot of test cricket coming up."
Although he's made his mark internationally in shortened format, Ferguson insists he's no stranger to the longer form of the game.
He predominantly played four-day cricket before he was called into the Blackcaps in 2017, and realises - and is prepared for - the unique demands involved.
"The red ball is a totally different beast. It's the longer form, both mentally and physically, but I've played a lot of red-ball cricket for Auckland, so I understand what it takes to be a fast bowler at that level
"You can't always go 100 percent like you potentially can in one-day and T20, you have to pick and choose when to bowl quick spells.
"That's all part of the learning process that I've been working to for a few years now. It's gonna be touch for sure
"Fitness as a fast bowler is paramount and, for me, it's a been a big work-on and something I'm constantly working on. It's also just a lot more time on the feet.
The Aucklander says the longer game provides him wicket-taking opportunities he's not always afforded in limited-overs play, where he can take further advantage of his express speed.
"With the red ball, you get a little bit more opportunity to be creative with fields.
"It certainly opens the door to some interesting fields and some different tactics, in terms of how you bowl to batters and putting them under pressure, and potentially making them a bit nervous about the short ball."
Injury and rest should mean Ferguson gets the opening he needs for his test debut sooner, rather than later, as cricket's international heavyweights await.
"They're [England and Australia] the big teams for sure. I'm just part of the squad at this stage, but if I get the opportunity to play against them, I'll take it with both hands."
