Will Pucovski wants to push for a spot on Australia's Test tour of Pakistan in March, declaring he will return to cricket with a clear mind on Saturday after his 10th concussion setback.
Pucovski will play his first game in almost a year on Saturday in Melbourne club cricket after returning to batting last month following an October head knock.
He remains the most promising player in Australia's system but has managed just one Test that he played last January against India when he injured his shoulder.
Pucovski admitted he had at times found it hard to watch the Ashes this summer, having earned his spot last year before his latest injury blows. But the 23-year-old said that frustration showed the desire and focus was still there to become a regular for Australia, despite the constant setbacks.
"The fire is definitely still burning to make sure I get back there," Pucovski said. "I'd like to say that if I am playing Shield cricket for Victoria [next month] and I've put my name up, I'm ready to go.
"The Pakistan tour is in March, so if I'm doing well and put performances on the board then I can't see why I wouldn't be in line to be selected there."
Pucovski will still manage his shoulder on return, having opted against a game in under-strength Big Bash sides to better control it. He admitted he had feared being thrown on the scrap heap following a long run of setbacks but had been assured by chief selector George Bailey he wouldn't be.
"He just said 'mate, just make sure you get yourself right, we want you as a sort of long-term player for Australia'," Pucovski said. "That was pretty awesome to hear... because you do get worried that with the injury pile-up that people are maybe going to give up on you."
His most likely way back to the Test team is at the top of the batting order given Marcus Harris' run of form, but Pucovski claimed he did not see himself exclusively as an opener.
Pucovski is certain there are no mental scars from his long run of concussions. He has long been adamant he does not have an issue with the short ball, having been targeted since his teens.
Pucovski claims he has also come to terms with the fact he will be hit on the head again but has worked hard in recent years with mind coach Emma Murray to be in control of the mental challenges around the situation.
"It's just bound to happen. So it's something I've got to deal with," Pucovski said. But I've also got people that are helping me out with my concussions. And I feel pretty confident that regardless of what happens, I'll always be able to bounce back. So it's not really something that occupies my mind too much."