WA has some serious batting talent

Western Australia has already flexed its batting muscle in this year’s competition. In both their matches, they have posted scores above 300 and delivered wins over 100 runs in both. At the top of the order, they have Josh Philippe and D’Arcy Short. 22-year-old Philippe is fast growing into a superb white ball batter while Short is already there. Short’s 129 against Tasmania came off 101 balls and could, maybe should, have been a far bigger score.

Such is the quality in depth, WA has choices for their batting order. Whether it’s Cameron Bancroft, Ashton Turner, either of the much-maligned Marsh brothers or Marcus Stoinis there is quality in abundance.  Stoinis’ 101 in the first game against Victoria came off 58 balls. Crashing seven fours and seven sixes, Stoinis reminded us of his efficacy in the shorter form of the game.

With Ashton Agar and Nathan Coulter-Nile in the lower order, there is no respite for opposition bowlers.  It is not inconceivable to see WA go past 400 before the tournament ends.  The other state teams have been warned!

Games from the Marsh One-Day Cup are live on Kayo Sports - click here for a free two-week trial!

New South Wales need their International players

Not the start that New South Wales was looking for. With Steve Smith and David Warner missing, it was not going to be easy. Giving players like Jack Edwards and Nick Bertus an opportunity is crucial for the future of the state side. However, in both of their matches, performances have not been up to the standard required. 

At AB Field, they did score over 300 batting first despite it not being enough to defeat Queensland.  Against South Australia, New South Wales were eviscerated by an opening spell from Joe Mennie and Kane Richardson.  Encouragingly, the tail did wag, but 173 was not going to be enough. 

With Moises Henriques at three and Kurtis Patterson at four, the New South Wales top order looks exposed.  The addition of Smith and Warner will bolster the batting.  There will be questions over Warner’s form, after his abject displays in the Ashes, but the opener is far too good a player not to respond. They play WA on Monday in Sydney so it will be interesting to see whether one or both internationals come into the side.