‘Famous faces’ elevate ambition
he’s a really focused guy as well and I don’t think will be distracted by it.”
Queensland Bulls coach Wade Seccombe said he didn’t buy into the talk Renshaw was out of form, having seen him hit them in the nets, although it has not translated to runs on the board.
“Renners is still in a really good spot. I don’t prescribe to the fact he’s out of form. He’s hitting the ball really well,” he said. “Obviously we want our top order to fire and hopefully we’ve got a good wicket to build on.”
Seccombe, who played several tour matches in Cairns during his career behind the stumps, said the squad enjoyed visiting new venues, reminding many of their own regional roots.
Burns grew up in Brisbane but will be the hometown favourite thanks to his strong family links to the Far North. recognisable faces brought a massive boost for the competition and in engaging the fans he hoped to see stream through the gates in Cairns.
“It’s a very strong competition. There’s lots of jostling for spots in the national side, so I guess unfortunately for Australian cricket that’s a result of the national team not being as successful as they have in the past,” Cooper said.
“But it has given guys opportunities to get a taste of international cricket and I can guarantee, knowing the boys in our teams that have had a taste, they’re doing all they can to get back up there.
“Your whole career is a learning cycle and being able to play with the best players is an opportunity to learn from them. The more guys we have who have played international cricket in the domestic competition, the better it is for those guys coming through.”
The Netherlands limitedovers representative said the Redbacks had worked on issues against the swinging ball exposed in their last start loss to Tasmania in time for the Bulls in Cairns, the sight of some remarkable hoop, albeit with the pink ball, 12 months ago.
“It has been one of our strengths in recent years bouncing back after a bad performance, so a win here really sets up the season for us,” he said.
“If you look at the table, NSW are out in front ... and I guess the danger is if we don’t bounce back, Queensland almost get a little jump on the field as well.”