Emerging cricketers from the Illawarra are hoping strong performances in the domestic One Day Cup will put them on the radar for national selection.
The selectors have plenty to consider ahead of the series with New Zealand and India as the world cup winning Aussie side is in the rebuild in 50-over format following the retirement of some key players.
Local cricketer Nate Burns said despite the rise of T20 leagues such as the Big Bash, the One Day Cup is still a good place for the selectors to inform their decisions.
“Everybody is playing, there’s nothing else going on,” he said.
“You’ve got to base yourself off some of the international players that will already have their spot secured,” he said.
He believes strong performances from established players like Queensland’s Marnus Labuschagne do not guarantee a place in the national side.
“He is on a level playing field with the rest of the domestic players,” Mr Burns said.
Tasmania and Queensland remain unbeaten after the first five matches, while reigning premiers South Australia had a slow start, losing their opening fixture to New South Wales.
Former Australia under-19 captain Hugh Weibgen scored an unbeaten 115 to secure his team’s second win.
Illawarra club Keira selector Scott Stark said training and consistency also play a key role in selection.
“If there are two guys that are equal [in talent], the trainer is given an opportunity ahead of the non-trainer,” he said.
Selection decisions are typically made by a committee, including the coach and captain of the premier team.
The One Day Cup will continue across the summer, fitting in between rounds of the Sheffield Shield and Big Bash League.
The next round begins on October 9 with the final scheduled for February 28 next year.
