Maddinson hoping to catch T20 selectors' eyes

South Coast cricketer Nic Maddinson hopes to use the T20 Big Bash as a launching pad to selection in the Australian side for the 2014 World Cup in Bangladesh.

After making 34 off just 16 deliveries in his debut at international level against India in October, the hard-hitting left-hander has his name firmly in contention for a spot in the squad.

Turning 22 on Saturday, Maddinson believes an impressive performance in the Big Bash League, where he will be playing with the Sydney Sixers for the third straight year, could further his claim.

"Obviously this is the only real time where players get to play T20 cricket, with the Shield season running, so this six-week period for the Big Bash is the time guys in state cricket get to go out and express how they can play T20," Maddinson said.

"With the World Cup not too far away, it's definitely a very good tournament to be playing in."

The first step to selection in the World Cup squad starts with making the Australian team taking on England in a three-game series at the end of January.

With most of the Big Bash round matches taking place before the internationals, Maddinson will have plenty of time to prove himself.

"I know if I am doing my job for the Sixers, getting them off to good starts and we are winning games, a lot of the time guys will get rewarded," Maddinson said.

"I think everyone in the Big Bash wants to represent Australia.

"Obviously it would be great to play, but there is a lot of good players around at the moment. If I get the opportunity it would be a great experience, especially in Australia."

Heading into the T20 season, Maddinson has been putting runs on the board for NSW in the Sheffield Shield competition.

His only gripe with the start to the season for the Blues was his inability to make the most of his starts.

"I got the three 50s in the space of four innings, but never went on," Maddinson said.

"That is an area where I really want to improve, to be a bit more consistent.

"I probably just keep doing all the hard work and getting 20 or 30 as well, but it is not really an excuse to get out after that."

One thing Maddinson won't be changing in the shortened form of the game is his approach.

"Four-day to T20 cricket is obviously a lot different, but I think the way I play in four-day cricket anyway is still quite aggressive," Maddinson said.