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James Pattinson starred with the ball as Victoria claimed their fourth Sheffield Shield title in five years, and says his next goal is this year's Ashes.
Having terrorised New South Wales to deliver Victoria the Sheffield Shield silverware, James Pattinson's next goal is to do the same to England.
The big quick tore through the NSW middle order on Sunday at Junction Oval, claiming 4-41 and seven wickets for the match in the 177-run win.
The 28-year-old, who returned to Shield cricket this season after back surgery two years ago, gave national selectors a reminder of his credentials with the English Dukes ball under cloudy skies.
"It's been a journey to get to this position over the last few years and at times I thought I would never be back," Pattinson said.
"All the hard work, all the doubts that creep into your mind, these are times that make it worth it."
In seven Shield matches since his November comeback to first-class cricket, Pattinson has taken 26 wickets at an average of 18.92.
He looms as a weapon for Australia in England, amid ongoing injury concerns over Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Jhye Richardson.
Durability is Pattinson's issue though, something he must prove to selectors if he is to add to 17 Tests, the last coming more than three years ago.
"I have spoken to the selectors in recent times about the Ashes - that's my goal. They have never had an issue with the way I bowl, it's just about staying on the park," he said.
"I need to get through a few more games. Sheffield Shield is one thing but then Test cricket is the pinnacle.
"There's not many Tests when you don't bowl 40 overs. That would be the next challenge for me."
That process begins with a county stint with English side Nottingham in mid-April, after a well-earned break to soak up the Shield win.
"We're just praying for him that he can stay fit and healthy and keep bowling like he is because he becomes such an important part of Australian cricket," national coach Justin Langer said.
Victoria's fourth title in five years was led by Marcus Harris's 141 on the opening day, an anomaly in an otherwise low-scoring affair.
Peter Siddle (5-28 and 1-54) and Trent Copeland (5-74 and 3-52) had strong games with the ball, giving selectors welcome headaches about the make-up of the touring party for later this year.
Copeland overtook Tasmania's Jackson Bird to finish top of the Shield wicket takers' list with 52 scalps at an average of 18.21.