Boom all-rounder Steve Smith admits he is 'over the moon' following his inclusion in Australia's 14-man squad for the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand.
Smith, already a member of the Twenty20 and one-day international squads at the tender age of 20, learned of his inclusion on Tuesday night.
The unassuming leg-spinner gives selectors the option of playing two tweakers against the Black Caps, while he is also considered capable of batting in the top order after a breakout season with the bat for NSW that has yielded over 700 runs at an average of 80.
"I got a call last night (from Cricket Australia official Michael Brown) so I was pretty excited," Smith, who celebrated his inclusion by smashing an unbeaten 72 runs for NSW in the Sheffield Shield clash against South Australia on Wednesday, said.
"Coming to the ground I knew I couldn't say anything to anyone because it hadn't come out, but I'm over the moon and I can't wait to get over there."
While surprised to learn of his selection, the confident youngster admits it was impossible to ignore the constant speculation surrounding his possible inclusion.
"I sort of heard a little bit of talk about being involved in the squad and that sort of thing ... it's something I've always dreamed of doing playing Test cricket and if I get a chance to do that words probably can't explain how I'm going to feel," he said.
"It's pretty amazing and I'm really looking forward to it."
Asked where the talk surrounding his likely selection was coming from, he revealed: "Just a few of the (NSW) boys chirping in occasionally, just a few little remarks and that sort of thing."
While he is now comfortable mixing with Australia's best cricketers having played the shorter forms of the game, Smith admits he is not sure what to expect on the upcoming tour.
"I don't know really," he said of his expectations.
"I haven't really thought that far ahead and it won't really kick in until I get there and get involved ... I haven't really been involved in much red-ball stuff for Australia so to get down there and get involved and see where everything's at and have a look at what's going to go ahead."
"It's pretty exciting and I'm really looking forward to it."
Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch added of Smith's inclusion: "Steven Smith is having an exceptional Shield season, three tons and exceptional innings last week. He adds great versatility to the squad, we've made no secret of fact we'd like to be in position when necessary to play two spinners and he gives us that opportunity, and he's also well and truly enough to bat in the top six."
"Steve is working on his bowling but leg spin difficult art. He needs a lot more cricket at domestic level and any exposure we can get him at international level we'll be looking to give him as well, because we think he's a player of future."
The first Test gets underway next Friday in Wellington, with the full squad to assemble on Monday.