FUSION SQUAD NAMED
CRICKET Far North has named a strong squad to represent the Fusion at this month’s T20 Country Challenge in Mackay.
Michael Salerno will retake the reins as captain and hopes to guide the Far North team to a fourth straight final at The Gabba.
The Fusion will be missing key top-order batsmen Gerard Fox and Justin Reid, but Salerno believes the squad of 12 has the talent to get the job done.
“With those two out we lose a wealth of experience, but there’s plenty of talent in the side to cover them,” the Atherton all-rounder said.
“I’ll be looking for someone like Dan Parnell to step up again. A couple of years ago he tore sides apart in the tournament.”
Parnell, who skippered the team in 2017, struggled with the bat, scoring just 26 runs at an average of 5.2, but in 2016 he hit 135 runs at 45.
Salerno said his Atherton teammate was in top form to return to his representative best.
“He’s hit a hundred on the weekend, made a couple of half centuries and hit a 40,” the Fusion skipper said.
“The way he’s striking the ball suggests he’s going to make more runs in Mackay.”
Salerno also expects Norths star Chris Stanger to bat at first drop and be in the runs.
“I want him up the order so he can face as many balls as possible. He’s a dangerous batsman when in form.”
The T20 Country Challenge is played over three days in Mackay from October 19-21 and the top two sides will play in a final at the Gabba in December.
Far North Fusion coach Wade Frazer said the team wanted to go one better than last year when they were humbled by Mackay-Whitsunday in Brisbane.
“We just couldn’t replicate our form from the earlier games,” he said.
“I know the boys were very disappointed with the way we played and I know those who are in this year’s squad are keen to make amends.”
Frazer, who retired from cricket eight years ago, said he was just starting to dip his toe back in the water. He coached the Fusion last year but used it as a learning experience.
This year, he believes he will have more to add.
“Twenty20 cricket was just coming on the radar when I left,” the former Mulgrave star said.
“I’ve learnt that T20 cricket can get away from you very quickly. It’s a different style of game and it requires a fair bit of planning and thought.”
Frazer believed this year’s squad was well balanced, despite the absence of Fox and Reid.
“I thought there might be a big hole left without those two, but once we put the names together it looks like another strong squad,” he said.
“There is a lot of experience in the side, as well as a few younger blokes who are keen for an opportunity. Selection was tough this year with a few hard decisions to make.”
The Fusion will get together on at least one Sunday before the T20 Country Challenge for a training and bonding session.
“We are just working those things out now,” Frazer said. “We will pick a date when we can have the most boys available. But the lads are all keen.”