MCC wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Harper lived out every young cricketer’s dream when he was called to make his first-class debut in February.

The son of former MCC coach Bryan Harper, and nephew of former Victorian batsman Laurie Harper, would have been leading Australia in the under 19 World Cup had Cricket Australia not withdrawn from the tournament due to security concerns in Bangladesh.

Instead, he was called up to replace Victoria’s wicketkeeper Matthew Wade for the Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania on February 3-5 while Wade went to New Zealand with the national team. In the process the 19-year-old became the youngest-ever Victorian wicketkeeper.

After being presented with his cap by captain David Hussey, Sam got straight down to business. He took three catches in the first innings, made a breezy 21 with the bat, and then pocketed six more catches in Tasmania’s second innings – including a blinder off the bowling of Peter Siddle.

His match tally of nine dismissals was the most on debut by any gloveman in Shield history.

"Obviously I was initially really disappointed – an under-19 World Cup doesn't come along that often,” he told reporters after the match. “But to have the last three days I've just had, that's irreplaceable. It was amazing.”

While Sam rightly made way for Wade upon his return, he again substituted for Wade in a Shield match in early March that saw the Bushrangers toppled by Queensland at the Gabba. There is no doubt he has a bright future.