The south coast product has been named in Victoria’s 12-man squad for their clash with Western Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with the 26-year-old firming as a replacement for Peter Handscomb, who is away on Test duties. 

The Warilla junior has experienced a turbulent two years since his Test debut in November 2016, with Maddinson discarded from the Australian side after just three Tests.

After moving to Melbourne in the offseason, Maddinson has returned to form in recent weeks.

Despite not holding a full Victoria contract, he played all eight matches in the state’s victorious JLT Cup campaign. 

He has also been in the runs playing for St Kilda in the Melbourne grade cricket competition and scored an impressive 150 for Victoria in a Futures League fixture last week. 

Victorian chairman of selectors Andrew Lynch said he’s looking forward to seeing Maddinson continue his hot run of form.

“Nic Maddinson gets an opportunity to play his first Shield game for Victoria,” Lynch said. 

“His 150-run knock last week against Tasmania was exactly what we wanted to see, and we hope to see Nic continue that form into this match.”

Round six of the Sheffield Shield will also see NSW face South Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Tasmania host Queensland at Blundstone Arena.