THE ACT’s push to host a cricket test is looking positive for the first time.

The success of our hosting of the World Cup, the Big Bash final and the one-day internationals cannot be under-estimated because it appeared as if Cricket Australia was putting Canberra through its paces before deciding whether we were ready to manage a test.

Previously, Cricket Australia would decide test venues based on the make up of its board and, under that scenario, Canberra didn’t seem to get a look in.

Things have changed with Cricket Australia basing decisions on where to host matches on a business case.

As such, there has been little public campaigning from ACT Cricket, which has simply presented a financial forecast coupled with obvious support for cricket, not just in Canberra but in southern NSW.

The ACT Government has also been proactive in backing any proposal to bring a test match to Canberra.

It would appear as though it is only a matter of time.

RICKY Stuart’s contract with the Raiders has been extended for another two seasons beyond next year.

Some have been surprised at the move by the Raiders, but Stuart was always going to be a long-term coach of the team. The board has made that clear over the past 12 months.

The board believes that with Stuart as coach the club is heading in the right direction. Key players have re-signed and Stuart has a long-term plan for the future.

The big test comes next season with the side, on paper, the strongest it has been for years. Anything short of the finals will be deemed as a failure.

One thing Stuart has been working on is competition for positions and that is starting to materialise. One player to watch out for is the English forward Elliott Whitehead. He has the potential to make as big an impact as Josh Hodgson.

You get the feeling it’s also shaping up as a vital year for the Brumbies, too. However, David Pocock’s future remains in doubt beyond next season and he could join Matt Toomua in heading overseas.