It's been a busy few months for Will Pucovski, but all signs are positive following his brilliant Shield ton on Thursday.
After getting a taste of the big time, the Victoria wunderkind is keen not to think about any chances of a national recall until it happens.
The 21-year struck a brilliant unbeaten 160-ball 131 at Junction Oval on Thursday to lead Victoria to a dominant position against Tasmania.
The Sheffield Shield clash is set for a final-day showdown - Victoria need 10 wickets, while Tasmania need an improbable 448 for victory.
PUCOVSKI ON FIRE: Young gun puts Victoria in box seat with brilliant century
However, Thursday was all about Pucovski, who put on a masterclass to bring up his third first-class century.
Should Victoria get the job done on Friday, they will all but secure a spot in the final.
For Pucovski, Thursday's performance is a timely one considering his whirlwind previous five months.
He nailed a brilliant double ton at the WACA against Western Australia in October, signalling his potential as a future Test run-machine.
However, after taking an indefinite break due to a mental health-related illness, he won a national call-up for the Test series against Sri Lanka before he again took time away to deal with his mental wellbeing.
Last month, he was awarded the prestigious Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year gong at the Australian Cricket Awards.
Speaking to reporters after play, Pucovski said he was heading in the right direction.
"I'm going well. It's obviously an ongoing process, and you're dealing with it day-by-day, but things are definitely heading in the right direction," Pucovski said.
"All is good in that regard, and hopefully the way things are going, two more Shield games, ideally a Shield final, and then reassess, do a bit more work and get ready for next season."
National selectors will be keeping an eye on Pucovski, among others, with a crucial Ashes tour to England looming for the winter.
Despite Pucovski having played just eight first-class games at the time of his national call-up, many were convinced he was ready.
However, even though he didn't get a start against Sri Lanka, Pucovski was unperturbed about what's to come, and placed focus on his immediate future with Victoria.
"It's still a ball and bat at the end of the day, I've just gotta try and remember that as much as I can," he said.
"I guess it'll be one of those things, keep trying to do well here and win games for Victoria.
"I've worked out that the more you take things in your stride and not worry too much about anything other than the next ball or the next day, it's probably the better way to go."
