Aussie novice enjoys the big time!

Aussie newcomer Ben Hilfenhaus said he had enjoyed the limelight after helping the hosts thrash England in the Twenty20 international in Sydney.

The 23-year-old Tasmanian, playing with team-mates who were virtual strangers, took 2-16 with his outswingers.

And afterwards he said: "I only really knew Punter (captain Ricky Ponting) because he plays for Tazzie with me.

"I was a bit stuck in my shell in the corner but hopefully now I'll come out of my shell a bit. It was sensational."

Hilfenhaus is not in the squad for the Commonwealth Bank series against England and New Zealand.

But with neither Brett Lee nor Mitchell Johnson 100%, he could be drafted in.

The former bricklayer said: "It was definitely a very memorable experience for me, and very enjoyable as well.

"I enjoy playing this form of the game but it's best played when there's not a lot riding on it"

Ricky Ponting

"The nerves got to me a little bit at the start of my run-up but I just tried the best I could to execute my plans."

Hilfenhaus bowled Ian Bell with a low full toss and kept Paul Collingwood on a tight leash before having him caught at deep square leg.

He said: "I got a lot of congratulations from my team-mates. It's good to know I'm doing it in front of the selectors.

"The crowd was fantastic and created a wonderful atmosphere."

Ponting stressed the match had been more about entertaining the crowd than anything else.

He said: "We wanted to win and play as well as we could but it was just a bit of fun.

"I enjoy playing this form of the game but it's best played when there's not a lot riding on it."