South Australia batsman Tom Cooper said he was unfazed by the daunting task of rescuing the Redbacks' innings in their tense one-wicket victory over Victoria in the Ryobi One-Day Cup clash at Adelaide Oval on Tuesday.
Cooper came to the crease after the Redbacks lost captain Michael Klinger and fellow opener Dan Harris to be 2-45 chasing 124.
Wickets swiftly tumbled around Cooper as SA collapsed to be 8-83 after 24 overs.
However an unbeaten half-century (60 not out) from the Australia A batsman helped the Redbacks scrape to victory.
The 25-year-old's knock, part of a 37-run partnership with tailender Gary Putland, also saw him overtake recently retired Bushrangers batsman Brad Hodge as the Ryobi Cup's leading run scorer on 315 at an astounding average of 105.
Despite seeing his batting partners come and go quickly, Cooper said he always remained focused and confident of surpassing Victoria's miserly total.
"We made it hard for ourselves and there was a lot going through my head, but when it comes down to it, it's about switching on, watching the ball out of the bowler's hand and backing your ability," Cooper said.
"To be chasing a score of 124 at Adelaide oval where historically it's really nice to bat, we couldn’t have asked for too much more."
"The boys bowled and fielded brilliantly and really set the game up and I guess you could say we did our best to lose it from there."
"Fortunately I was able to stay out there with a bit of help from the other blokes and overcome what was quite a small total."
Cooper also credited Putland's cameo effort with the bat, which he said lightened the burden on his shoulders.
"The bowlers work exceptionally hard on their batting and they are all very capable with the bat, so it's nice you can lean on them in times ... it took a bit of pressure off me," Cooper admitted.
The right-hander is also the second highest run scorer in Sheffield Shield with 605 and the Redbacks' chief source of runs with 920 overall this summer.
Cooper however played down the significance of his rise into the Redbacks elite and the pressure that comes with a senior role.
"There's no added pressure ... it's just the pressure you put on yourself knowing you're in form to really try and capitalise on that and score as many runs as you know you're capable of doing," Cooper said.
"Pressure is a part of your job and if you don’t deliver then you're going to find yourself out of the team."
"It's always nice to contribute though especially to a winning cause ... and so far it's been not a bad year."