The championships are the ultimate for any country cricketer and will not only be an on-field spectacle, but will be a major economic boost for the city, as all events of this calibre are.

There has been a steady progression of major cricket events in the city in recent years, starting with the Premier Cricket Bush Bash at the QEO in November, 2012, last season's Australian Cricketers Association Masters visit and the 12-and-under national championships, and now we've got the Australian Country Cricket Championships to look forward to.

Full credit to everyone involved in securing the championships for Bendigo.

I better go hit the nets to try and crack it for a game with the Vics. I'm sure there's a spot for me in the XI.

KA: I doubt you will get a gig at the championships. 

Just stick to what you do best and that's not scoring runs or taking a catch. 

It is great news for the city to have such a prestigious and important event coming to Bendigo.

Country cricketers from across Australia will make their way to Bendigo for the eight-day tournament. 

There will be something for everyone - two-day matches, one-dayers and Twenty20 games. 

Next year will be a big year for cricket in this country, with Australia also hosting the ICC World Cup. 

Exciting times, Westy.

LW: Yep, cricket is going to be right in the spotlight big time next January with not only the Australian summer against India - always a massive series - but the looming World Cup that will be played in Australia and New Zealand through February and March.

Bendigo had three representatives in the Victoria Country side that played in Canberra last season in the Strathdale-Maristians' trio of Linton Jacobs, Cameron Taylor and Travis King.

Hopefully, Bendigo will again be strongly represented in the Victorian team next season, which would obviously add further interest to the championships with some local lads to watch on the big stage.

KA: It would be great to see some Bendigo players donning the big V. 

I'm sure Bendigo's top players will want to play in the tournament, so I am expecting to see some fierce contests when the season hits off in October.

As for the World Cup, a lot of Australia is looking forward to it, especially after the sensational past six months. 

Beating the Poms and then travelling to South Africa and beating them on their home turf was a fantastic effort by our boys.

Australia is now back to the number one Test team in the world - back where we belong.

LW: Yep. It has been a fantastic turnaround by the Aussie cricketers over the past six months and plenty to look forward to on the cricket calendar now.