While Zimbabwean Tendai Power Maruma says the Hoppers are his major priority, he still harbours international hopes.

"I'm being looked at by the Zimbabwe national team (the Chevrons), they'll be looking at everything I do during this season," he said.

"I've had a couple of calls with one of the selectors on my plans and there's a big chance of getting in the side."

The right-hand opening batsman is yet to play for his country, but has played 19 first-class games, racking up almost 1000 runs at the reasonable average of just under 30.

International players often speak about the gap between the highest level and one back at first-class standard, but Maruma is banking on his overseas experience.

"I feel like I've been through a lot of pressure times, but I've come out of it and I'm ready, I'm right at the prime of my game because I've learnt from it and managed to come out of it," he said.

"I've had three of four years playing in the UK and my first year in Australia last year (playing for Marnoo in Victoria's Wimmera Mallee Cricket Association), plus my time in Zimbabwe, so I've played in a lot of different conditions and I really understand my game.

"When it comes to international cricket, you need to be able to handle pressure."

Maruma, who turns 28 on Thursday, has the ability to 'go through the gears' with his batting.

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"My preference is opening batsman, but if the team needs me in the middle order to knuckle down, I can do that, but if they want me to take on the bowling, I'm happy to do that, but I like to play my shots," he said.

In a potential barometer of what CAW can expect, Maruma played with Tarisai Musakanda, who was the leading run-scorer midway through last year when he left the competition.