That is where NSW are contesting the Sheffield Shield in a South Australian bubble.

Instead the all-rounder is in Canberra, preparing to play a series of Second XI fixtures.

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The matches will play a crucial role in the Thunder and Sixers Big Bash preparations and the Oak Flats product is planning to use the games as a launching pad for the competition.

"White-ball cricket leading into the Big Bash is such a luxury," McAndrew said. "Twenty20 cricket is such a dynamic game, it takes a bit of time to get into the swing of things.

"To be able to go out there in games and be put under pressure and test our execution is a big bonus.

"The guys down in Adelaide playing Shield cricket won't have that preparation, so it's almost an advantage for myself and the other guys playing."

McAndrew's ACT/NSW Country side will play three Twenty20 and a 50-over game against NSW Metro this week.

Captaining the Comets is Dan Christian, one of the most experienced short-form players in the world.

Despite turning 37 this year, the all-rounder continues to achieve success on the field. He was recently man of the match in the final of the English domestic Twenty20 competition.

Christian will join the Sydney Sixers this summer, with McAndrew to turn out for the Thunder.

While the pair will be opponents throughout the Big Bash, McAndrew will look to glean as much knowledge as possible from his fellow all-rounder in the coming days.

"He's an incredibly experienced cricketer, quite unique. He's a crafty all-rounder and someone I look up to.

"I'm looking forward to having some conversations with him around how he approaches his hitting and what he sees with his bowling. It will be good to share the change room with him and pick his brain."

This year's Big Bash competition has been shrouded in uncertainty as Cricket Australia attempts to navigate a global pandemic, warring broadcast partners and stubborn governments unwilling to provide sporting exemptions.

A series of hubs were announced last week, the Thunder to commence their campaign against the Melbourne Stars in Canberra on December 12.

With three BBL seasons now under his belt, McAndrew is confident this year will be his best for the Homebush-based franchise.

"Last year was a good year for me. It was the year I expected of myself, I'll try to build on that. Bowling lineups can chop and change depending on match-ups, but at the end of the day if I prove I'm the best bowler, match-ups won't matter.

"I want to cement my spot in the team and continue to bring what I do with the ball, bat and in the field. This year I come into the Big Bash with confidence. I had a good year last year, I know I can be successful, it's about trying to be successful again."