Having proved the most successful team in the history of Australian
domestic competition, there is no doubt that the results of the recent past
have represented quite a shock to all associated with the New South Wales
state team. Indeed, if the Blues' players and supporters had assumed that
the practice of winning titles had become a habit, then they have been
forced into quite a reappraisal in the (near to) seven years that have now
transpired since their last such success.
Set within that context, the 2000-01 season potentially represents a
crucial point in the process of restoration. Recent developments off the
field have been very positive but now comes the real measure of the extent
to which things have turned. On-field results over the last two seasons -
in particular - have been disastrous and nothing less than a significant
improvement will be regarded as acceptable.
Coach Steve Rixon's capacity to fire one group of players after another to
unexpected successes and to instil in them his own renowned mental
toughness has been well illustrated by his recent stints with the Blues and
New Zealand. As such, his return to his old stamping ground of the SCG is
one of the major factors behind a widely held suspicion that New South
Wales might acquit itself more successfully this summer. In the notion
that their internationals are theoretically available for more matches this
season (as many as eight in the case of Test and one-day international
stars like Steve Waugh, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and Mark Waugh to be
precise) than they have been in recent times comes another very welcome
boost to their aspirations too.
On their pathway from ecstasy to agony, arguably the Blues' biggest flaw
has been their inability to mount competitive scores with the bat. Around
their international commitments, Michael Slater and Michael Bevan therefore
shape as two crucial players this summer. Slater needs to help the side
away to a good start in its early Mercantile Mutual Cup fixtures before his
Test duties take him elsewhere, while Bevan's ability to score heavily will
be at its most important during the team's five Pura Cup contests between
early November and the early part of the New Year. It is also in batting
that the squad needs to capitalise effectively on the extensive process of
blooding young players that has been undertaken over recent times. More
than fellow newcomers Don Nash and Jamie Heath with the ball, it will be
the efforts of relatively inexperienced players such as Greg Mail, Michael
Clarke and shock new international representative Mark Higgs upon which a
substantial proportion of the Blues' hopes will rest.
The key player: One-day international commitments will likely render him
unavailable for the first match, for another three between early January
and February, and then again at the end of the season. But, when around,
the Blues have no more important player in their midst than the
prolific-scoring Michael Bevan. As much as anything else this summer, New
South Wales needs its batsmen to stand up and to occupy for the crease for
long periods; in Bevan, they have an individual who simply doesn't know any
other way.
The up and comer: Michael Clarke. Amid last season's wreckage, this young
batsman showed signs that he could develop into an outstanding long-term
prospect. Naturally enough, he still lacks a little in confidence but the
further that 2000-01 progresses, the further his levels of comfort and
experience will grow, and the higher his estimation in opposition bowlers'
eyes will probably rise too.
The draw: The Blues play the very last match of their Pura Cup campaign in
Brisbane but, save for that, contest every one of their last five matches
for the season at home. If they can negotiate the first half of the season
without experiencing the same sort of disastrous run of outs with the bat
that plagued them last summer, their prospects of finishing in the top half
of the standings in each competition are by no means gloomy. The fact that
their dual internationals are potentially available for as many as five
one-day and three first-class matches during this period should aid such a
cause enormously.
Predicted Pura Cup finishing position: 5th
Predicted Mercantile Mutual Cup finishing position: 4th
