The 30-year-old struck a magnificent 173 against the England Lions in Arundel to lead SA A to an eight-wicket victory in the opening four-day match.
Batting at No 5, Ackerman rescued the visitors from 54-5 with a superb counter-attacking innings featuring 25 fours and five sixes.
“I still want to play for South Africa, that’s still my goal,” Ackerman told News24. “I’m putting a lot of time and effort into my game and I want to take every opportunity that I can get.”
Ackerman said he had worked hard on his game during the off-season.
“I spent a lot of time trying to prep myself as much as possible so that my skills can be right up there for when it comes to game time.”
Despite several near misses over the years, Ackerman says he has never stopped believing a Proteas call-up will come.
“Whenever I’ve done well, I’ve always hoped maybe someone would reach out and give you good news,” he admitted. “I’m hoping this really does show them that I am ready and I really want to play for the Proteas.
“I want to experience Test cricket with the Proteas against the best players in the world. That’s really motivating me.”
