Tremain will take the new ball for the in-form Victorians against New South Wales, starting Thursday, at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

With the Australian Test team in disarray – Steve Smith’s side is 2-0 down in the three Test series against the South Africans, the worst start to a home series since 1988 – a host of international cricketers have been sent back to Sheffield Shield cricket this week ahead of a crucial third Test.

That means David Warner, Peter Nevill, Nathan Lyon and Smith will all play for the Blues over the next four days, while a host of young players could push their claim for a baggy green with strong performances over the next week.

Tremain is licking his lips in anticipation.

“It’s always a high level, but you bring these guys back into the fold, there’s four back for NSW, that’s a fair chunk of a shield side,” the 2009 ODCA player of the year said.

“It’s going to take a fair bit of work to get on top of that line-up, but that’s what it’s all about.

“It’s always great playing the old state, on their home turf too. Particularly at the moment, NSW is playing some good cricket. Victoria is going well, too, so it’s going to be a tough game.

“We’ve had a long pre-season, a lot of white ball cricket and some first class cricket as well, but the transition to the four day stuff has been seamless.

“They say you don’t hit your stride until the third game. This is my third game, so here’s hoping I hit my straps.”

Tremain has arguably been the Bushrangers’ best bowler this shield campaign.

The former Kinross quick has taken nine wickets in his opening two games, including a season-best 3-26 as the Vics ran through Queensland for 137 in round two.

Another outing like that for the fiery right-armer will undoubtedly put his name up in lights for Test selection, having already cracked the Australian One Day International side for September’s tour of South Africa.

Having had that experience at the next level, Tremain says whoever pushes their claims for a Test spot this round – teammates Peter Handscomb, Matt Wade and Marcus Stoinis are in the frame – will have to step up big time.

“Absolutely. There’s cricketers around the country putting their hand up for selection,” Tremain said ahead of day one at the SCG.

“But I think selectors have always picked them best Test team they can. It’s a big jump up to that level.

“Andrew McDonald said the other day, ‘when things are going bad it’s never as bad as you think it is, and when things are going good it’s never as good as you think it is’.”

Today’s play begins at 10.30am.

Commonwealth Bank Bushrangers squad: Matthew Wade (C), Fawad Ahmed, Scott Boland, Dan Christian, Travis Dean, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Harris, Jon Holland, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Chris Tremain, Cameron White