Both the New South Wales Blues and Southern Redbacks desperately require a win if they want to make the finals of the Sheffield Shield when they do battle at Coffs Harbour International Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores from 10:30am (AEDT).
The Blues come into this game off a draw at the WACA against the Western Warriors. It marked their second drawn match against the Warriors in as many matches, after they played them in New Zealand during Round 6.
Round 7 was the second day-night match for the season, and the Blues bowlers again struggled to make inroads, despite having a WACA pitch and the pink ball.
In their day-night match, the Redbacks took on the ladder-leading Victorian Bushrangers, and fell by 218 runs at home. That followed another home loss, against the Queensland Bulls, and has seen the Redbacks fall down the table to third.
They sit just two points ahead of the Blues on the table, who are fourth with the same amount of wins – only bonus points and draws separating the teams. They are both two wins behind Victoria though, and one behind the second-placed Bulls.
If either of these teams want to host the final, then winning all three remaining games is essential. Even making the final is going to require plenty of victories, as they need to overtake the bonus-point-rich Bulls.
When these two teams last met, in Round 1, the Blues had almost an international line up and absolutely demolished the Redbacks, winning by 215 runs.
For the Blues, 17-year-old Arjun Nair could make his debut, with Nathan Lyon and Steve O’Keefe out of action, and Will Somerville facing an injury battle.
The Redbacks miss Adam Zampa, and have dropped Tim Ludeman and Tom Cooper.
Prediction
With both teams lacking a recognised top-line spinner, it is going to come down to the battle of the new ball, and how the respective top orders handle their opposition pace attacks. The Blues should have the goods, but Gurinder Sandhu and Doug Bollinger need big matches.
Blues in a close one.
Be sure to join The Roar for live scores of this Round 8 Sheffield Shield match from 10:30am (AEDT), and don’t forget to add your own comments in the section below as the action unfolds.
Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde
Casper
Guest
So how many of this NSW side have you earmarked for future baggy greens?
Andy Hill
Roar Pro
Ah, so he is another NSWelshman gone interstate to get a game. SA have a Victorian (Worral) and a NSWelshman opening the bowling for them then.
jamesb
Guest
Good win NSW. Good comeback.
JoM
Roar Rookie
Was always a very handy bowler, even when he was playing grade in Sydney for Wests before he went to SA.
JoM
Roar Rookie
He seems to have gone off a bit. Gets a lot of injuries for some reason and hasn't really been selected. Also in the same age group as Gibbo and Chris Green who played for Thunder in the BBL. All are 21/22.
jamesb
Guest
What about Ben Dwarshius? I thought he was impressive in the BBL.
jamesb
Guest
NSW to win need.... Runs: 87 Wickets in hand: 5
JoM
Roar Rookie
There is another one who they could be giving a chance to soon. He played against the Vic's in the trial games in the preseason and had no problem with any of their bowlers, Pattinson included, and I think top scored in one of them. Last season in grade he scored 3 centuries, including one of 180 odd if I remember. This season, last game, was 204* and today is 217*. His name is Ryan Gibson and is definitely one to watch out for.
VivGilchrist
Guest
Lehmann is looking more and more impressive. Looks like he can really hold his nerve under pressure. Is SOK injured?
jamesb
Guest
NSW 211 all out Nair 37 Mennie and Worrall, four wickets apiece.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Mennie doing the job again for SA. NSW relying on Carters and a 17yo off spinning debutant to score our runs. Only Doug the Rug to come.
jamesb
Guest
NSW 8/162 Nair 18*
Andy Hill
Roar Pro
Looks Like Nair may need to bat- and bat long! Joe Mennie keeps taking wickets, now 3 for not much. Surely he must be on the national selectors radar if our other quicks keep getting injured.
jamesb
Guest
NSW 6/97 Terrible mornings batting.
Scott Pryde
Expert
He can certainly bat, but his role in the side is as a spinner. He has opened the batting throughout junior cricket and even into grade I think.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Take it from under the nose of others. Bancroft doing his chances no harm, but tough to aim for the Burns spot.
jamesb
Guest
Youngster Nair has taken 2/71. Well done young lad.
jamesb
Guest
17 year old Nair has 1/61 off 16. His first FC wicket was Mennie, trapped him LBW for a duck.
jamesb
Guest
Bollinger, Abbott and Copeland two wickets each.
Chris Moore
Roar Rookie
Right now Boof Jr is averaging 60 in Sheffield Shield, 2 100's and a 200, not to mention at a strike rate of just under 70. Look like he could be the real deal if he carries on, maybe the heir to Voges' throne in the middle order