Tassie aims for Blues

Sporting News Logo

Fresh from their first defeat of the Ryobi One-Day Cup, defending champions Tasmania get the chance to bounce straight back when they host New South Wales in Burnie on Saturday.

A half-century to Ed Cowan and 26-ball innings of 40 weren't enough to help the Tigers set up a challenging target at Bellerive Oval as Callum Ferguson stroked an unbeaten 104 from 116 balls to set up a six-wicket win for the Redbacks.

But the Tasmania players have already headed to Burnie for the battle at West Park Oval, keen to not only rebound from the loss but also spend some time in the town training and conducting clinics with young fans.

Tigers' selectors have made one change to Wednesday's team, with fast bowler Gerard Denton, who claimed 1-40 from eight overs, left out because of knee soreness and youngster Jeremy Smith added in his place.

The rookie, who has played one Sheffield Shield game for Tasmania and also represented Australia at Under-19 level, looks almost certain to make his limited-overs debut while fellow youngster Matthew Day may also get his chance.

The Blues meanwhile have made two changes to the side that squeaked home by seven runs over Western Australia last Friday, with batsman Phil Jaques back after missing the game in Perth to be present at the birth of his first child, with Scott Coyte also recalled.

Jaques replaces Peter Forrest while Coyte gets his chance in the squad after fast bowler Doug Bollinger, who was rested from the match in Perth, was called into Australia's squad for the second Test in Adelaide.

NSW made 9-259 from their 45 overs in that battle with Western Australia, thanks to contributions from Steve Smith (51), Phil Hughes (47) and Steve O'Keefe (44) but it was Brett Lee who stole the show.

The former Test paceman, who remains hopeful of winning a recall to international ranks ahead of Australia's World Cup defence next year, grabbed 5-47 from 10.4 overs to leave the Warriors' chase seven runs short despite Shaun Marsh's 132.

The Tigers remain on top of the table despite Wednesday's defeat, having claimed 21 points from their six games thanks to four wins while the Blues (15 points) can overtake the second-placed Bushrangers (16) if they claim victory.

Tasmania squad:George Bailey (c), Travis Birt, Luke Butterworth, Mark Cosgrove, Ed Cowan, Matthew Day, Alex Doolan, Brendan Drew, James Faulkner, Brady Jones, Jason Krejza, Rhett Lockyear, Jeremy Smith

New South Wales squad:Clark (c), Cameron, Coyte, Hauritz, Henriques, Hughes, Jaques, Lee, Maddinson, Nevill, O'Keefe , S Smith, Warner

Author(s)