Chris Morris is looking forward to the start of the 2018/19 campaign, given the winter off that he has just had.
"I won't lie, I'm actually quite nervous," he admitted this week.
The Multiply Titans all-rounder suffered a back injury during the Indian Premier League earlier this year, and has been off duty ever since.
"It is quite nerve-wracking coming back after such a long time off, so I am looking forward to it," Morris explained.
The Standard Bank Proteas ace has had the opportunity to be home over the winter, on new daddy duty. It has been an experience, completely different, and has also allowed him to miss the game.
"I had quite a long lay-off, but I have done all the work I can with Mark (Boucher), and the physio and the trainer have been working on me. They have done everything they can," he said of his winter.
Morris joined the Titans’ on their historic pre-season tour of the Seychelles, to rid off some cobwebs. And as he looks to the season, Morris is well aware that there is a big carrot dangling next year.
"Show me a cricketer who doesn't know about the World Cup! Of course it has been on my mind," he admitted.
But, given his lay-off, Morris says his focus is only on the Titans for now.
"It sounds like a cliché, but I know that I have to do well for my franchise in order to get into that conversation. It starts here," he said of the Titans and their aspirations.
Morris remains a freak cricketer; that rare breed capable of winning a match with bat or ball. Having been handed a rare winter off, he is itching to get going again.
" I can't wait. Can't wait! I'm excited for what is to come, and I am looking forward to a big season with the Titans."
The Proteas showed that there was a gap in their make-up without a genuine all-rounder, and the national selectors will be interested spectators over the first few weeks of his return.
If he does enjoy a big simmer in sky blue, there is every chance that he will join a surfeit of Titans on national duty.
"I just have to do my best with the Titans, then the rest will follow."
Much like the memorable winter he has just had, this summer is all about baby steps for Morris.
