Blues v. Bulls - Pura Cup

[pies4ever]

Blues look to long-lost leggie

By Jon Pierik - Fox


TEN years after his last State game, NSW will strongly consider recalling leg-spinner Adrian Tucker for what looms as their season-defining Pura Cup match against Queensland next week.

Tucker is firming as the likely replacement for Stuart MacGill, who leaves today for the Test tour of Sri Lanka. The 34-year-old leggie, who bowls with much the same flat trajectory as Indian Anil Kumble, played the last of his 14 Sheffield Shield matches in 1993-94.

He finished with 36 wickets at 40.86, with just the one five-wicket haul.

"He'll be considered," NSW chairman of selectors Brian Taber said yesterday.

Tucker has since worked overseas as a stockbroker but has enjoyed a profitable return to grade cricket this summer with 25 wickets at 22 for club side, Eastern Suburbs. Skipper Steve Waugh suggested the state selectors take a look at him six weeks ago.

He was invited to NSW training this week and tested all the batsmen yesterday, including Waugh.

Young batting allrounder Aaron O'Brien, who also bowls left-arm orthodox spin, and Penrith leggie Liam Zammit, remain in contention for the SCG encounter although both have struggled in their brief first class careers.

The bad news for Nathan Bracken could get worse with the expected return of Glenn McGrath threatening his spot. Bracken, who some consider unlucky to miss selection in the Australian Test squad for the tour of Sri Lanka, could now find himself not playing at all if McGrath is picked for next Thursday's match.

Paceman Matthew Nicholson is a lock to stay in the XI, having collected a competition-high 36 wickets at 29.61 this season, meaning Bracken and the reliable Stuart Clark could be vying for the third fast bowling role.

Bracken made his Test debut this summer but managed only six wickets at 58.50, his inability to swing the ball stalling his international career.

In three Pura matches this season, the left-armer has 13 wickets at 26.15 while Australia A paceman Clark has 23 at 38.26.

"It's going to be a difficult selection," Taber said.

Recovering from surgery to remove bone spurs in his ankle, McGrath took 2-26 from 14.3 overs and 4-30 off 18 in a NSW second XI match at the MCG this week.

It was an encouraging performance and one which will have delighted Waugh.

The 95-Test veteran now seems an automatic selection.

"If he gets the green light (fitness wise), he will be considered," Taber said.

NSW must win its final home-and-away match outright and rely on competition-leader Victoria ensuring Tasmania remain pointless in their corresponding Hobart fixture to make the final.

Michael Clarke, Michael Bevan and gloveman Brad Haddin will also return from national one-day duty in Sri Lanka in time for the match.




cheers bryan..!!