But with the state-based cricketing programs now shifting focus back to the longer forms of the game for the rest of the summer, Dean said it would be some time before his next career step is determined.

After missing the start of Adelaide’s Big Bash campaign, Dean was called into the Strikers’ line-up for the side’s final three games of the season.

The 29-year-old posted scores of 29, 2 and 28 in his three digs at an impressive strike rate of 184 – behind only Australian player Glenn Maxwell among the competition’s recognised batsmen.

 “There’s a few things I’ve got in the works but it’s a pretty cutthroat competition and a pretty cutthroat industry,” Dean said. “It’s hard to gauge what other people are thinking and it’s just as easy to cut someone as it is to bring them on board.

“Hopefully I’ve done enough to warrant a spot at the Strikers next year but it’ll be a few more months before that’s sorted out.”

While admitting he was far from satisfied with his returns for the Strikers after failing to post a big score after two starts, Dean endured his share of bad luck in the South Australian capital.

The hard-hitting opener missed his initial call-up due to injury before being run out on debut in unfortunate circumstances. 

“Personally no, I’m not satisfied with what I achieved but I’m very rarely satisfied with my game to be honest,” he said. “You always think you could have done more.

“But I think I performed pretty well in two of the three innings I had and I think it’s fair to say I was pretty unlucky in that first game when I was feeling pretty good. But that’s cricket.”

Despite admitting to a bout of nerves in the lead up to his first game in Strikers colours, Dean’s composure at the crease was notable with the Bluebags batsman appearing far from out of his depth on the national stage.

“On my debut I was quite nervous, especially in the day leading up to it but I always try to enjoy myself out there; that’s why I play the game,” Dean said.

“It’s always fun to get out there and hit a few 4s and 6s. If you’re not enjoying it there’s something wrong so I always try to enjoy myself.”