EXPERIENCED NSW bowler Trent Copeland has urged the Blues to “put the foot on the throat” against Tasmania, in their bid to host the Sheffield Shield final this season.
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Last on the Sheffield Shield standings, Tasmania dug their heels in on the last day of the match against NSW in Hobart in November to avoid outright defeat.
The Blues held a 286-run first innings lead and set the islanders chase of 415 for victory, but could only snare four wickets as the match ended in a draw.
Having had similar frustrating in a run-fest against Queensland earlier this month, Copeland is on the hunt for 20 wickets at North Dalton Park, starting on Saturday.
“We really had them on the ropes, but they held on to save the points on the last day,” he said.
“We’ve been in good positions most of these games and we really need to assert our dominance and really put the foot on the throat.”
Wicketless against Queensland, Copeland was a standout for NSW against Tasmania, snaring 6-54 from 33 overs in the first innings, including 16 maidens.
The 30-year-old, who three Tests for Australia in 2011, is hopeful of continuing his domination against Tassie in Wollongong.
Tasmania named a 12-man team the four-day match, including captain George Bailey.
Former Australian wicket-keeper Tim Paine and 22-year-old batsman Ben McDermott.
“If’ you’ve got a team where you’ve got the wood over them, it gives you a bit of a lift,” Copeland said.
“But they’ve got quality players, guys like George Bailey, Alex Doolan, Ben McDermott (coming into) the team, he’s a quality young player.
“So there are lots of competitive batters in their team and hopefully we can, as a collective, knock them over. Twice.”
In an age of academy produced players, Copeland has broken the mould.
Having moved to Sydney from Bathurst as a wicket-keeper batsman, Copeland turned into an opening seamer.
He said his career is an example for junior players to keep an open mind about their skill set.
“I was a keeper until I was 23 and then three years later found myself opening the bowling for NSW,” Copeland said.
“So you just never know.
“Certainly I hope all the junior keepers out there are encouraging their wicket-keepers to still practice their bowling and batting.
“With T20 cricket, you’ve got to be a three-faceted cricketer, batting, bowling and fielding and that could be wicket-keeping as well.”
Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
