Seven current or former international players will appear for New South Wales when it takes on Victoria in the opening match of the Australian domestic season at Bankstown on Sunday.

Despite losing captain Steve Waugh (DVT) and pacemen Brett Lee (ribcage) and Nathan Bracken (shoulder) to injury, the Blues will be boosted by the appearance of Test stars Mark Waugh and Glenn McGrath in the state's colours. It is the first time that McGrath will participate in a limited-overs match for the Blues since November, while Waugh has also appeared only fleetingly in recent years around a hectic schedule of international commitments.

McGrath has been chosen to spearhead a well-balanced attack that also includes fellow pacemen Don Nash and Stuart Clark and leg spinner Stuart MacGill.

Even in the national captain's absence, the Blues' batting looks similarly strong. Brad Haddin and Michael Slater are strong candidates for the opening positions, and will be followed by the likes of Michael Bevan, Mark Waugh and Michael Clarke as well as hard-hitting all-rounders Mark Higgs and Shane Lee.

Continuing in the role in which he functioned for much of last season, Lee will captain the line-up and Bevan will be his deputy.

Victoria is expected to name its team for the season-opening ING Cup clash later today.

The full New South Wales side is: Shane Lee (c), Brad Haddin, Michael Slater, Michael Bevan, Mark Waugh, Michael Clarke, Mark Higgs, Shawn Bradstreet, Don Nash, Stuart Clark, Stuart MacGill, Glenn McGrath.

© 2001 CricInfo Ltd