STANGER READY TO TAKE ON FRIENDS
HE will line up for the first time in North Queensland colours at Cairns’ Griffiths Park and is part of an exciting influx of talent for the side which also includes fellow Queensland Country all-rounder Sam Lowry.
Mcelligott described the all-rounder as a “pretty chill guy” and believed the occasion would not get the better of him. Instead he said he would pick his brain for any inside knowledge in the lead-up to the clash.
“I think he will be pretty chill until Saturday morning and then he might get a few jitters as we all do,” Mcelligott said.
“If there is any sort of (tactical) advantage you can get from (the knowledge of) someone like that you would be mad not to take it. He has played a lot with them but he has also played at the highest level of country cricket.
“He brings a really good vast knowledge of the game and experience.”
Stanger has been in scintillating form to start the Townsville Cricket season averaging 40 with the bat with two half-centuries as well as four wickets in his first five games.
But it is not just the Queensland Country experience in the North Queensland XI that has Mcelligott excited about their chance to topple their arch rivals.
Lachlan Ford and Travis Busch, who have made the step up from the under-21 side, are two of the most exciting young talents in the region and provide more options for the side with both bat and ball.
The 50-over clash between the sides on Saturday will break new ground for North Queensland cricket with the match played as a day-night game under the lights of Griffiths Park.