Wellington Firebirds coach Anthony Stuart has a tough job deciding who is in and who is out for the upcoming HRV Cup starting in January – with a number of players proving their worth and competing for a place in the team for the shortest form of the game.
With the likes of BLACKCAPS James Franklin and Grant Elliott back in the side for the HRV Cup, places are going to be highly contested. Although Stuart has a tough selection job ahead of him, at the moment he is focusing on preparing all the players for the HRV Cup.
“We are working hard on all things and obviously it is more intense than the one day and Plunket Shield games,” Stuart said. “It’s a high pressure situation. The batsman are trying to hit it as hard has they can so the fielders have to be ready. We are making sure the players are aware of their responsibilities with the bat and ball.”
Stuart is pleased to have the likes of Franklin back in the side and believes his experience will add a lot to the Firebirds line up. “He had his first game with us just before Christmas and got 80. I’m expecting James to have a big impact with the bat, while Jeetan Patel will play a key role for us with the ball.”
For the batsmen, he’s keeping his eye on young up and comer Cameron Merchant. “He’s been in good form so far. Although he is small in stature he hits the ball well. At the end of the day all the boys have got to play well. They all have roles to play and all have to contribute.”
