CRICKET
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
They'll go in as severe underdogs, but that won't stop Illawarra Invitational XI batsman David Murphy from gunning for an upset victory when they face the Sydney Sixers on Tuesday.
The Balgownie opener is one of several local players suiting up for the one-off Twenty20 clash at North Dalton Park and is hungry to leave his mark on the match.
"I will be taking it to them. I am not going to sit there and watch them get all the runs and wickets," Murphy said.
"I will be doing my best to see if we can get a win. You never know with Twenty20. You just need one person to get a big score or a couple of early wickets and it changes the game. Obviously they are going to be heavy favourites, but I will be giving it a crack."
Murphy, who played NSW under 17s, 19s and Australian under 19s, spent five seasons playing with Sutherland in the Sydney Grade competition. He described coming up against some of Australia's biggest names as a "once in a lifetime" chance for many players in the Invitational XI.
Test-capped players Moises Henriques, Doug Bollinger, Brett Lee and Stephen O'Keefe are all likely to appear in the match for the magenta men.
It will be the final warm-up game before the Sixers begin their Big Bash campaign against the Melbourne Renegades on Friday.
"They are obviously going to want to go one step further and win it. They have a great line-up, so it will be a more significant game than just a bit of hit and giggle," Murphy said.
"They will be taking it serious because they are playing later this week, so they will be looking to iron out their loose stuff. They will be trying to play hard to win and improve on the little one per centers.
"This will be their main hit-out, so at least they will be playing against pretty decent opposition. It should be a good game."
NSW assistant coach and former Dapto player Trent Johnston will coach the Illawarra side with the help of former teammate Steve Davies.
"We have to be confident, but we will be hard up against it," Davies said.
"They will have a tough challenge on their hands, but I am sure they will enjoy the experience."
Play will begin at 3pm at North Dalton Park with entry free for the entire afternoon. The match will be followed by a kids clinic run by the Sydney Sixers.