Australian dream: Sammy-Jo Johnson determined to "give selectors no reason not to pick" her

When Sammy-Jo Johnson made the shift from Queensland to New South Wales earlier this year, she said she was happy to be given the opportunity to realise a childhood dream of representing the state side. She also admitted that she thought the change in environment could help her chase the bigger dream of playing for Australia.

"New South Wales know how to churn out Australian cricketers and winners in the WNCL, so hopefully if I am in the right team at the right place at the right time, it can lead to me pulling on that Australian shirt," she had said.

The 27-year-old allrounder, who played for Australia A against England Academy and India A last year, enjoyed a breakthrough 2019-20 domestic season. Not only did she star in Brisbane Heat's title-winning campaign - blasting an incredible 11-ball 27 in the final - but also enjoyed a successful Women's National Cricket League season, being crowned Queensland's Player of the year.

ALSO READ: Sammy-Jo Johnson makes the move from Brisbane Heat to Sydney Thunder

Johnson, who signed a two-year year with Sydney Thunder for the Women's Big Bash League, admitted that the prospect of breaking into the Australian side ahead of the Women's World Cup in New Zealand was what was driving her through this period of uncertainty. However, with the tournament having been postponed by 12 months, the allrounders plans have been scuppered.

"I know a few people were disappointed when they heard it wasn't going to go ahead (in February)," Johnson told cricket.com.au. "I know personally that's a tournament where if you're not in the Aussie squad, that's the tournament you were aiming to get into."

While restating her pledge to "give selectors no excuse not to pick me", Johnson said she is excited about the opportunity presented to her by NSW and Thunder this season.

With Australia scheduled to play New Zealand in a bi-lateral series towards the end of September, and both Ellyse Perry and Tayla Vlaeminck still on the road to recovery, it is possible that the selectors may look to bolster their seam bowling resources.

ALSO READ: New South Wales know how to churn out international players: Sammy-Jo Johnson

Although she's happy to take any opportunity that may come her way, the fast bowler added that good performances in the WNCL and WBBL are what will improve her chances of breaking into a supremely successful Australian side.

Unlike previous years, it is likely that the WNCL will not be separated into two distinct rounds either side of the WBBL. Johnson admitted that this clear separation of the formats could work to her advantage.

"There are some similarities (between the formats) but there are differences and I know as a bowler, you get in such a rhythm bowling good line and length in 50-over cricket and you stay consistent in that, whereas in T20 cricket you've got a million change-ups and you're constantly on the run," she said.

"That would help if we can have a tournament of WNCL in one block, you could string a few good performances together and then that'll hopefully (help make a case for selection) for whatever the next one-day series is. If Australia end up going to New Zealand early next year, that's the next thing to look forward to, and that'd come straight after WNCL as well."