da brwin： The selection puzzle became a little clearer for NSW cricket coach SteveRixon after NSW Country romped to a 76-run one-day win over the Cityteam on Sunday
AAP16-Sep-2001The selection puzzle became a little clearer for NSW cricket coach SteveRixon after NSW Country romped to a 76-run one-day win over the Cityteam on Sunday.The match was a final trial before NSW starts its interstate limitedovers campaign against Victoria on October 7 and many embraced a chanceto impress in the absence of Australian regulars Steve and Mark Waugh,Michael Slater, Brett Lee, Nathan Bracken and Glenn McGrath.Mark Higgs hit 40 to dominate a 55-run fourth wicket stand with captainShane Lee (61 not out) and help Country reach 7-251 off its 50 overs.The 25-year-old Higgs then claimed 2-36 off seven overs of off-spin asCity was dismissed for 175, despite a fighting 51 by opener Brett VanDeinsen.City’s tail was mopped up by allrounder Shawn Bradstreet, who bagged 3-3off just four overs.Discarded Test leg spinner Stuart MacGill also impressed with 4-59 off10 overs for City but it wasn’t enough to stop an impressive Countryvictory.”I’m looking to put the pieces into the big jigsaw for further down thetrack,” Rixon said after the match which completed a two-day camp in theHunter Valley.”Every time you play a game of cricket you look at different things.”The big thing has been that the senior players have controlled themajor strings in the trial games [in Coffs Harbour and Maitland] andthat’s a good sign.”The rookies’ time will be there but they’ve got a bit of work to bedone before being part of the No.1 side.”Besides Lee and Higgs, Country’s innings was sparked by Phil Jaques (34)and opening partner Brad Haddin (41).Australian one-day specialist Michael Bevan was run out for 21 butCountry’s innings was boosted by late hitting from Albury’s DominicThornley (27).In reply, City was reduced to 1-11 when opener Greg Mail was run out forfive and never recovered.