When Mitchell Johnson flies out for the West Indies on Saturday he will be taking another key step in a booming international career.
Johnson played the six Tests at home last season but is yet to wear the baggy green away from Australia, something that will almost certainly change in the Caribbean.
A relaxed Johnson spoke during the last day of the Brisbane training camp about his anticipation of the tour.
"This week's been really good ... the atmosphere of all the guys around has been good and I'm looking forward to getting over there and playing some cricket again," Johnson said.
"I'm just really keen to get back into cricket, I've missed it, it's been a good break but I've missed playing."
Johnson was one of few Australians to turn down a lucrative IPL contract and as such was able to enjoy some time away from the game after a busy summer of cricket.
"I had a little bit of time back home in Townsville, just seeing family and friends and I've just been doing some weight training and fitness work," he said.
The 26-year old was happy with his decision to stay at home.
"For me, I think I needed a break and I want to try and give myself the best opportunity to play for Australia."
"It looked pretty exciting, but I'm pretty happy to take the break and work on my fitness back here and I'm feeling pretty good now about going over (to the West Indies)."
Johnson secured a spot in the Test line-up last summer despite stiff competition from slinger Shaun Tait.
Tait may be unavailable, but Johnson will face similar competition from fellow squad members Ashley Noffke and Doug Bollinger and he is hoping the experience gained last year will give him the edge.
"It was a big summer, my first real big summer - playing Tests, one-dayers and Twenty20, I wouldn't say I feel like I nailed a spot there, but it's given me a bit more confidence playing out the summer."
"I feel pretty confident that I can keep continuing my form and really enjoying my cricket."
Johnson came under fire from some sections of the media last summer over his supposed inability to in-swing the red ball.
He said he had been trying to remedy the problem, but was not overly concerned.
"I have been working on it, but I'm not going to go out in games and be too worried about it, if it's swinging, it's swinging," he said.
"If the ball's swinging, I'm going to be pretty happy, but if it's not I'm still going to try and hit the deck hard ... I'm not going to focus too much on it, I just want to go out there and be consistent."