My first Test is one I’ll remember forever. I didn’t make the big score I was dreaming of, but sitting in the dressing room after winning a Test match is feeling far more enriching than any personal milestone. I couldn’t help but take a moment after the win to look around and see guys like Ponting, Clarke and Hussey sitting in the same dressing room as me equally as excited about the victory. I've looked up to these kind of guys for so long so it was a bit humbling to be sitting in the same company as them. It was also a great thrill to share my debut with Uzzy Khawaja, who I have been playing with since I was 12 years old. (Thanks to Jodie Newell at NMG for the photo)

I’ve represented Australia a few times now, but there was a completely different feeling when I received my Baggy Green cap from Michael Slater. Your cricketing life flashes before your eyes the moment it is handed over. Every single innings I'd played had led to that moment of receiving that cap. It's a very satisfying moment.

I was disappointed at getting out cheaply in the first innings, but looking at it again it was a pretty decent ball and I was probably a bit more tentative than normal with lunch only an over away. But that's cricket and at least I made the most of a very short hit in the second innings.

All my family came up for the game and I want to say a big thanks to them for all their support and for taking off work to come and watch me play. It was great to share the experience with them.

There's a lot to look forward to now. The next Test in Hobart and then after that the twenty20 Big Bash. I’d like to give everyone a timely reminder to get on board and support the Sydney Thunder. You can show your support by Liking their Facebook page and by following them on Twitter. With Gayle and myself at the top of the order there will be fireworks! Thunder fans should also be excited about our exciting crop of youngsters. Keep an eye out for Timmy Armstrong, Luke Doran, Nic Bills, Sean Abbott and Jason Floros.

On the Big Bash, it was great to appear on the cover for the current edition of Inside Cricket magazine with Warney. I think it looks pretty funnny, although I'm not sure if that's what it's supposed to be. Not sure if I'll be getting the call-up to star in the next incredible hulk movie!

Until next time,
Dave

You can follow my movements around the cricketing world on my Facebook and Twitter pages.

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I'm still pinching myself at the prospect of playing Test cricket for Australia. When you have worked for something your whole life and suddenly realise its about to happen, its an incredible feeling. I cast my mind back to playing back yard cricket in the garage against my brother Steven, dreaming of one day wearing the Baggy Green. At that point it seems so far away, in fact even 12 months ago it seemed a way off. But now that I am here I'm going soak in every minute of it.

It's been a perfect preparation. Getting the game under my belt against the Black Caps in the A game. I managed to spend enough time at the crease to feel comfortable with my game and get a bit of a preview to the opposition attack.

Since then we have just been in camp trying to get focused on Thursday. After training today we had a big media session, but from tomorrow we are off to the Gabba to ramp up our preparation. I think the fact there are so many new faces in the side is a good thing for me because it has taken the focus away from us as individuals. Nobody knows what to expect from such a new looking team, but we are all confident of bringing our skills into the Test arena.

I'm looking forward to opening with Hughesy at the top. We've shared a lot of big opening partnerships together in all forms and it will be nice getting out there with a familiar face.

Can't wait for my family to get up here and Thursday to come around. It will be a great day!

Until next time,
Dave

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