Tremain just happy to get paid for playing

FAST bowler Chris Tremain says the lure of a Test call- up won’t be his biggest motivation this summer as he looks to spearhead Victoria’s domestic season.

Tremain was viewed as one of the front- runners for next month’s two- Test series against Pakistan after star quicks Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins were ruled out through injury.

The 27- year- old topped the wickets in the last Sheffield Shield season ( 51 at 21.07) and has taken the most wickets over the past two seasons ( 93 at 20.12), but that wasn’t enough to convince the Australian selectors.

Former Test captain Allan Border is among those who questioned Tremain’s omission given his consistency at Shield level, but the man himself wasn’t getting caught up in the selection debate ahead of Victoria’s JLT Cup one- day clash with Tasmania in Townsville today.

“I’ve never gone into a game worrying about selection, ever. It’s not something that motivates me,” Tremain said.

“It’s fantastic to represent your country, but I always wanted to be a professional cricketer and that’s all I ever wanted to be.

“Anytime I get an opportunity to go higher or even little wins during the game – wickets, runs, catches – and winning series with Victoria, they’re all cherries on top of a career that I never really thought I’d have.

“I don’t think there’s a shortage of fast bowlers in Australia. If you are pushing for selection then every game and every training session is an opportunity to do that.”