Sunday Territorian

Loss of star Bollinger will not derail us say Blues

- By BEN HORNE

NSW are confident of overcoming the loss of the country’s topperform­ing fast bowler Doug Bollinger when they meet South Australia in a top-of-the-table Sheffield Shield clash at the SCG today.

New Blues coach Trevor Bayliss has emphasised a team-first culture this season, with no excuses made for missing personnel.

NSW boast incredible depth, but are the team most frequently interrupte­d by players being called up for Australian selection and haven’t won a title since 2007-08.

On this occasion it’s Bollinger who will be sorely missed, the in- form left-armer put on standby by selectors for the third Ashes Test in Perth starting next week.

NSW are still without another star fast bowler Josh Hazlewood (shin), but welcome back allrounder Moises Henriques from injury.

Bollinger has taken 17 wickets at 25 in four matches this season, and along with leading spinner Steve O’Keefe (21), has helped NSW surge to top of the ladder, with SA second.

Opening batsman Ryan Carters says the Blues will back young quicks Sean Abbott and Gurinder Sandhu to extend the side’s advantage heading into the mid-season break for the Big Bash.

NSW are wary of former Blue Phil Hughes, who has been on fire for the Redbacks recently , averaging 61 with two centuries — including a double ton.

Tom Cooper has also been in stellar form with the bat, while Johan Botha ( 21 wickets) and Chadd Sayers (17) have been among the competitio­n’s best bowlers.

‘‘It’s rare Phil Hughes isn’t in good form,’’ Carters said.

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