The CA XI consists of fringe state squad players who have been earmarked by Cricket Australia as players of the future and they'll be thrown into the deep end against a NSW squad that boasts 12 players with international experience.

"Regardless of the opposition, you're always looking to win the game," said Nevill, who made his Test debut during the recent Ashes tour.

"The CA XI is an unknown quantity but we can take them lightly at our peril. To not treat them with respect [would be a mistake] because on the day anyone can perform well, and I'm sure there'll be plenty of their players in that side looking to do that.

"NSW has a very strong team and we have quite a few guys who have done exceptionally well for Australia in the short format.

"If we play our best cricket we're going to be very tough to beat, and I think that's what it will be for us - ensuring we start the tournament well."

Nevill became a fully fledged international when he made his Test debut at Lord's in the second Test of the Ashes series and while it represented the realisation of a long-held dream he said the Australian Test player's baggy green cap now in his kit hadn't changed anything.

"Having had the opportunity to represent your country is an amazing feeling but ... you know the next time you go out and play cricket it doesn't matter if you've played for Australia or not but how you perform.

"So, I don't think it changes anything, you still prepare as best you can and you want to do the best job for your team."

While the CA XI face a David and Goliath challenge at Bankstown Oval, Cricket Australia's chief selector Rod Marsh said the likes of Will Bosisto, Matthew Short, Seb Gotch and Liam Hatcher possessed one trait that should serve them well: fearlessness.

"All players make mistakes and young people probably make more mistakes," said Marsh. "But young people sometimes have that lack of fear about making mistakes and as a consequence they perform well.

"Kids are marvellous when they get in a position [to do well] and someone always seems to stand up. I'm really looking forward to seeing how these boys go."

NSW: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Doug Bollinger, Ryan Carters, Ed Cowan, Moises Henriques, Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson, Peter Nevill, Steve O'Keefe, Kurtis Patterson, Gurinder Sandhu, Mitchell Starc, Shane Watson.

CA XI: Will Bosisto (c), Alex Gregory (vc), James Peirson, Ryan Lees, Marcus Harris, Seb Gotch, Matthew Short, Jack Wildermuth, James Bazley, Liam Hatcher, Mitch Swepson, Hilton Cartwright, Riley Ayre, Matthew Dixon. Bankstown Oval. Play begins at 10am.