Rickelton’s road to the T20 World Cup begins in Darwin

Rickelton's road to the T20 World Cup begins in Darwin

Ryan Rickelton probably imagined Australia as the MCG, kangaroos, and Sydney Opera House. Not Darwin.

He'll be in Darwin, Cairns, and Mackay for three T20Is and as many ODIs against Australia over 14 days, starting with the first T20I in Darwin on Sunday.

Shukri Conrad joked last month he'd have to "go to Google to find out where exactly" in Australia are Darwin, Cairns, and Mackay. Rickelton arrived slightly better prepared.

"I always knew [Darwin] was up north," Rickelton told a press conference on Wednesday. "I had a friend who lived up here for a bit.

"It's a different part of the world, a unique little place. It has a smalltown kind of feel, but it's quite a busy place as well. There are lots of different things to do. We're looking forward to what all three places have to offer.

"I'm also looking forward to experiencing cricket in Australia. I would have loved to play at the main stadiums, but to play against Australia in their backyard – no matter where you are – is exciting."

He and Lhuan-dre Pretorius are likely to open the batting at Marrara Oval on Sunday.

Thirteen innings into his T20I career, in which he has scored 263 runs at a strike rate of 134.87 and reached 50 only once, Rickelton knows he has work to do to stay in the reckoning for next year's T20 World Cup.

"I'm still trying to establish myself in the T20 side," Rickelton said. "Luckily there is experience around me in players such as Aidan [Markram] and Rassie [van der Dussen], but I don't think there'll be any expectation for me to change anything I've been doing these last two years.

"I think, the way the team is structured, the way I play fits the mould and how they want me to play. So I'm comfortable with what's required – always looking to take that first punch and get the side off to a good start no matter who's alongside me."