Varun Sharma can't remember ever having this long off cricket.
Growing up in India, the sport was played for 12 months of the year and more recently he has jumped from season to season all over the world.
However, following an almost seven-month hiatus, Sharma will line-up for University again in the Newcastle District Cricket Association first grade competition from Saturday.
"This is the first time in 10 or 20 years I haven't played cricket," Sharma told the Newcastle Herald.
"In India we just don't have any off-season, we play 12 months because we are a cricket-loving country. Even if it is raining we play.
"So this will be the first time playing after so many months gap. I have actually batted twice in my sleep. I'm that excited and I can't wait to start the season."
The 31-year-old is based in Cooks Hill and has remained in Australia since the global coronavirus pandemic brought last season to a grinding halt in March.
He always intended to return to Uni in 2020-21, but may not have been able to if plans to visit home in New Delhi and playing for Canadian club Albion had come to frutition amid the COVID-19 crisis.
"Because of the flights not going I thought I would just stay here and play the season, so it's just been lucky I guess," Sharma said. "If I had of gone home to India I don't think I would have been able to come back."
Sharma, a right-handed batsman who first landed with Cardiff-Boolaroo in 2018-19 before switching sides last summer, will be a vital part of the Sea Dragons' squad with long-term members Matt Gawthrop, Luke Bird, James Rushford and Liam McKechnie not playing.
Andrew Harriott resumes the captaincy when the Students host Belmont at the Callaghan campus in round one.
Newcastle City wicketkeeper Mitch Nesbitt has been impressed with the form of Lewis Hextall and Angus McTaggart at pre-season training. The Sabres host Waratah-Mayfied at Learmonth Oval.
Adrian Chad leads Toronto against Stockton and Northern Districts at home. Merewether all-rounder Josh Geary takes on Wests at Townson Oval.
With Matt Willett out, CBs have Rahul Bakshi in charge when they visit Charlestown at Kahibah Oval.
In Sunday's sole encounter 2019-20 minor premiers Wallsend and reigning Tom Locker Cup champions Hamilton-Wickham meet at neutral venue Ron Hill Oval.
These mark the first of five straight 40-over fixtures.
