Finding the next generation

Yesterday, NSW took out the 2007/2008 Pura Cup Final, taking down Victoria by an impressive 258 runs. The final is the pinnacle of Australian domestic cricket, and arguably the better side won it in the end.

However, it is more than just a pinnacle, it is also a chance for selectors and spectators to find the next best players for the Australian team of the future, as well as reaffirm the skills of older and experienced players.

I was there on day three of the match and noticed Tim Nielsen entering the NSW dressing room when the Blues were batting. It alerted me to the fact they were keenly watching the contest, and writing down the names of players that could have a future in green and gold.

No doubt they noticed the explosive batting of the outrageously talented Phillip Hughes, who became the youngest player to hit a Pura Cup/Sheffield Shield Final century at just 19 years of age. He could be viewed as the replacement for the aging Matthew Hayden.

Nor could they ignore the hard working, accurate, and probing bowling of Victorian paceman Peter Siddle, who was Victoria’s single shining light in the final. Provided he can stay fit and recover from a shoulder reconstruction, Siddle has a big future in the game.

The old hands were excellent as usual. MacGill showed he is over the effects of surgery, Simon Katich was in unstoppable touch, and Dave Hussey, Brad Hodge and Cameron White got chances to impress those viewing.

Whether selector base their choices for the future upon this year’s domestic results remains to be seen. But what is clear is that soon the likes of Hughes, Siddle, D. Hussey and White may find themselves in the Australian team if they continue to dominate the Australian scene like they did this summer.