Fusion hit the big league

CFN composite side play Gabba today

FAR North Fusion players have been urged to embrace the frenzy today amid the whirlwind of their historic Twenty20 Gabba visit.

The CFN composite side will face archrivals North Queensland Monsoons in Brisbane in the conclusion to the eight-team Bulls Masters Country Challenge.

Run as a curtain-raiser to the Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes Big Bash League contest, the grudge final between the north Queensland cousins will ironically be played out more than 1400km south.

With that, though, comes the guarantee of a building crowd for the BBL fixture and the pressure of lining up to play at the fabled Test venue.

Fusion coach Ash Hammond says his star-studded line-up, none of whom have played at the Gabba before, will keep things simple to maximise their chance at glory.

Adding to the pressure, however, is the fact the team will only land in Brisbane this morning and fly straight back early tomorrow.

“There’s a nice, healthy rivalry between the sides but we just want them to play the good cricket that got them there,” Hammond said.

“With a decent crowd and on that field, the temptation is to do something you don’t usually.

“This is a great concept, to get guys from the country to play in world-class facilities.

“But we just want them to enjoy the moment.”

Though the Fusion’s allround talent was enough to power through October’s preliminary Country Challenges stages in Mackay, the real test will come today.

The largely unknown Monsoons squad has had the wood over the Fusion in the game’s shortest format in recent years.

While question marks surround the CFN form of some players, Hammond said the keys remained blazing opening pair Brad Stout and Justin Reid, dynamic Norths allrounder Chris Stanger and a highly versatile attack.

“It has been a bit lean (for some players) compared to other years,” Hammond admitted.

“But we have been playing good cricket at the high level.

“If our openers can get us away to a good five or six-over start it will set us up.

“And we have plenty of variety in our attack so if someone is not having a good spell Weary (captain Barry Weare) has plenty of options.”

Former Bulls star Andrew Symonds will mentor the Monsoons side and Jimmy Maher will look over the Fusion.