Peake then captained Australia at the Under-19 World Cup and made two centuries including an 88-ball 100 in the losing semi-final to England before returning to Shield cricket.

“Still working that out, but I think I’m going to the MLC in June with the San Francisco Unicorns. So that’s exciting,” Peake said. “I’ve really enjoyed the season and everything that’s come with it, with lots of white-ball cricket and red-ball opportunities as well. I feel like I’ve learned so much this year, and hopefully it can hold me in good stead for the coming future.”

There is an outside chance his trip to the US may be delayed slightly if Australia’s selectors opt to take a punt on Peake for a white-ball tour of Pakistan and Bangladesh in June, which will feature six ODIs and three T20Is,and could be more of a development trip if a number of Australia’s three-format players are rested after the IPL.

There has been talk of fast-tracking left-handed Peake into the Test team later this year given the need for Australia to inject youth into an aging side, but that would appear premature.

Peake is highly regarded and has shown plenty of promise but still only has four half-centuries in 21 first-class innings at an average of just 27.11 and he was hit on the head and concussed in his last Shield game coming out of the U-19 World Cup. He was quick to note the difference between U-19 bowling and first-class cricket in Australia.

“It was definitely a bit different,” he said. “I think going from facing sort of kids to men, is always quite different. Just even the way the ball hits the bat and responds off the pitch with an extra five or 10 years under their belt. It just sort of has a bit more energy on it. And that’s definitely a different feeling. But in the same way, it was different going from playing Big Bash to 50-over cricket as well.”

Peake showcased his temperament against South Australia, absorbing searching spells from the Shield-winning attack in his 209-ball stay. But it was his first 50-plus score in 13 Shield innings since his match-winning 70 not out against the same opponents in the opening round.

Peake has experienced what most young players do when exposed to attacks multiple times in the early part of their careers. Seamers have tested him around his off stump and he is learning about life in the seam-dominated competition.

“I probably haven’t given them too much to look at,” Peake said. “I’ve been pretty quick to get in and out in a lot of the games. I think that’s bound to happen over the next few years as well. Different teams will have different plans. I think none of the teams have been too dissimilar. And it’s not too dissimilar to how they bowl to most players. I think top of off is still probably where most people want to live in.”

But Peake is finding form at the right time and is excited about the prospect of a home Shield final next week.

“It’s really exciting,” Peake said. “It feels like we’ve been building towards it for a long time now. Can’t wait to see what the state sort of comes out and looks like at the Junction Oval. Hopefully we can pack it out. Just really excited to play in such a big game and hopefully be a part of something special.”