Vic recruit focused on job ahead

VICTORIAN recruit Nic Maddinson wants to let his bat do the talking when the NSW discard faces former teammates for the first time.

Maddinson is a prime example of how professional sport can trigger dizzying highs and deflating lows, often in quick succession.

A year-and-a-half after making his Test debut, the left-hander was cut by the Blues.

Maddinson moved to Melbourne earlier this year, seeking to reignite his cricket career.

The 26-year-old doesn’t hold a state contract but has been welcomed with open arms by his adopted state, which faces NSW in a onedayer at North Sydney Oval tomorrow.

There’s been radio silence between Maddinson and former teammates this week.

“I think my number got deleted when I left, when they kicked me out. I haven’t really heard from anyone for a while,” Maddinson said.

“I’m not too sure (if there will be much chat on the field). I’ll be there to do my job.”

Maddinson, who remains on the radar of national selectors and could be part of Australia’s Twenty20 squad that faces Pakistan next month, has enjoyed his change of scenery.

“The environment here is sort of suited to my style,” he said.

“It’s quite relaxed, but still a lot of responsibility on the players to prepare and get themselves ready.

“Fitting into the squad has been pretty seamless ... I’m really enjoying it.”

Maddinson, deployed in the middle order alongside Glenn Maxwell, scored 68 in Victoria’s season-opening victory over Queensland.

The hard-hitting batsmen, who have polarised selectors and fans alike in recent years, were roommates at Cricket Australia’s academy in 2010.

“We know each other pretty well,” Maddinson said.

“That’s been a good thing for me, having him out there.”