It will be a big year for... NSW edition.
The Australian domestic season is underway and the home tests start soon. Let's take a look at those players who have an opportunity to push for a place or cement their place in each form of the game. I will be covering 1 or 2 states each day.
David Warner - Had a great Champions Trophy for NSW and averages 28.71 at a strike rate of 140 after 36 games with only 1 not out score. Has played 8 T20 internationals and averages 34.12 for Australia. Has been included in the NSW one-day squad but not the first class squad. Can expect to play more T20 games for Australia and can push for a recall to the ODI squad with some good performances.
Doug Bollinger - Currently playing his 6th ODI and has 8 wickets at a brilliant average of 20.62. Can cement a place with more good performances in India. Has played 1 test and may get a few more this season with good bowling and the current injury crisis facing Australia.
Moises Henriques - Brilliant in the champions trophy and solid in the 2 games he played for Australia. My favourite domestic player. He has a great deal of talent and is slowing getting his batting average up and bowling average down. May have to wait for an injury to Watson to get a test place and is currently behind Hopes in the pecking order for ODIs. Only 22, Moises has a massive future ahead of him in all forms of the game and a great domestic season should see him permanently in the Australian side soon rather than later.
Phillip Hughes - Dudded by the selectors during the Ashes and was dropped with an average of 52. Averages 61 after 50 first class innings'. People seem to think the English bowlers unlocked some great secret by bowling short to him, this is a myth. Bowlers have been doing it to him his whole career. Phillip was unlucky during the Ashes and extremely unlucky to be dropped.
Josh Hazlewood - Only 18 and has only played 1 first class game (against the touring NZ side last year) where he took 4 wickets. Youngest member of Australia's under-19 world cup squad in 2008. Has a lot of potential and if given a chance this year may be able to show what he has.
Brett Lee - Nearly 33 and starting to run out of chances to force his way back in to the test team. Too many injuries lately but has been bowling brilliantly when fit.
Burt Cockley - Has taken 29 first class wickets in just 8 games with 27 of those coming in just 7 games. Being called up by Australia as cover in the current series in India will give this young fast bowler a whole world of confidence and another season like last year might see him being called up to play, not just as cover.
Usman Khawaja - Only 22 but already averages 40 in first class cricket. Has scored 2 centuries and 2 50s in just 17 innings with a high score of 172*. They say most bastmen don't hit their peak until around age 30, if that is so Usman should have a test spot before his career is over.
