Begbie, who only resumed his cricket career post-Christmas after recovering from a serious neck injury, takes the spot vacated by Mt Clear gun Nathan Yates, who has ruled himself unavailable for the carnival.

BCA’s chairman of selectors Mark Van De Heuvel said Yates’ replacement is a good one, who will potentially open the batting during the tournament.

Van De Heuvel said Begbie’s experience in the Victorian Premier Cricket competition will be an asset for the side.

“He’ll know what the wickets are like and the grounds are like because he’s played a lot of premier cricket, so it’s a handy pick up,” he said.

Begbie, a first grade premiership player with the Melbourne Cricket Club in 2012-13, is in his first season back with the Red Caps, where he played during his junior days.

His return to the sporting field in January came about nine months after a freak football accident almost cost him the ability to walk.

Begbie’s best return with the willow this year came in last Saturday’s clash with top side Darley, with his innings of 63 helping the Red Caps post a huge total of 4-307.

Ballarat will commence its Melbourne Country Week campaign on Monday with a huge clash against defending provincial champions Geelong Cricket Association.

The BCA boys then have games against Traralgon and District on Tuesday, Bairnsdale on Wednesday and Warrnambool and District on Thursday.

The final of the competition is then played on Friday.