SYDNEY, Dec 18 AAP - Victorian cricket coach David Hookes may pair unknown leg spinner Bryce McGain with emerging star Cameron White in their Pura Cup match against NSW, starting at the SCG tomorrow.

Hookes will make a decision on the make-up of his side in the morning, but he indicated he would have no qualms playing McGain, who has overcome a bout of pleurisy to take his place in the side.

The 30-year-old played two Pura Cup games for Victoria last season and is in good form after taking five wickets in grade cricket at the weekend.

"It would be a bit unfortunate if one of the fast bowlers missed out, but if a fast bowler missed out here it would only be because of the pitch," Hookes said.

"It doesn't worry me playing two leg spinners. As I said before they're different spinners.

"But if the pitch stayed like this we would probably play the three fast bowlers and leave Bryce out."

The SCG wicket looked like a fast bowler's paradise today, but Hookes was paying scant regard to what's traditionally a turning pitch.

"I'm not a great fan of looking at a pitch the day before, especially places like here and Brisbane," Hookes said.

"It doesn't mean much to me at the moment. It certainly won't influence my decision tomorrow. We won't make a decision until tomorrow."

The outspoken Bushrangers coach also made no attempt to ease the pressure on his side heading into a top-of-the-table clash with the Blues.

Victoria is the surprise Pura Cup leader after three outright wins in its five games and can head into Christmas at the top of the standings with a good performance against the Blues.

"I think if you said to our young players or our squad at the start of the season that come the game before Christmas you're in contention to get a stranglehold on top spot and individual players are in contention for other honours, I think everyone in Melbourne would have thought you're kidding yourself," Hookes said.

"I embrace that. A lot of people don't discuss that it's a big game or an important match.

"I think if they're going to develop as a group of players it's not an issue for me to promote the fact that it's a big game within our side.

"If they're going to go and play at the next level, each game is a big game.

"So if they can't cope with the team discussing the fact that this is an important game than it's going to be hard for them to cope with playing for Australia or Australia A."

The Blues also have much to play for.

Trailing Victoria by only two points, NSW can take over top spot with an outright win at home.

Captain Steve Waugh will have a powerful batting line-up at his disposal, headed by in-form Michael Slater and the impressive Michael Clarke.

"It's an important game for both sides," Waugh said.

"I think it's an even competition. I think any side is capable of leading the competition. They have a very talented line-up."

Teams:

NSW: Steve Waugh (Captain), Matthew Phelps, Michael Slater, Michael Clarke, Simon Katich, Mark Waugh, Brad Haddin, Stuart MacGill, Nathan Bracken, Douglas Bollinger, Stuart Clark, Greg Mail (12th)

Vic: Darren Berry (Captain), Jason Arnberger, Matthew Elliott, Ian Harvey, Shane Harwood, Brad Hodge, Mathew Inness, Mick Lewis, Bryce McGain, Jon Moss, Graeme Rummans, Cameron White

© 2002 AAP NewsWire

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.