Greater Northern Raiders coach Andrew Gower has broken down the University lineup – without Tim Paine or James Faulkner – and can sniff out a second victory.
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Faulkner remains preoccupied for a second straight weekend in a United Arab Emirates T10 tournament, missing the chance to cross paths with his former hometown’s team.
Paine was listed on Thursday night to play the 50-over clash, but University coach Ben Harrison had told The Examiner he would have discussions with the Australian captain whether a club game is in the national interests ahead of the First Test.
The other sticking point, Harrison said, was preparation to travel to Adelaide that would have to be ticked off by Cricket Australia.
Gower was more a matter of fact about a settled Raiders side than past weeks.
“You look at Uni’s side and I think they are quite similar to us – they’re quite young and inexperienced,” he said.
“We’re not looking at any big names this week.
“We’re not coming up against a Sam Rainbird, a Ben Dunk or anyone else playing Shield cricket or in the Futures League.
“So it’s a bit of a different game for us this week from what we’ve prepared.
“It’s more about knowing where we’re at and I think we can be very competitive.
“We’re going in with the mindset it’s very winnable.”
The Raiders had a strong Wednesday training session, as they talked about how to best execute a game plan.
Gower has backed changes to make a difference.
“It was good to see Alistair Taylor back in form with Launnie on the weekend and having Jake Williams whose never out of form, but we’re bringing in Nathan Carter to debut and he has some runs under his belt,” he said.
“We go in with a really good balanced side and guys with some good form.”
Taylor will replace Jono Marsden in a format change.
The washout last weekend has sides playing 50 overs, but one that won’t count towards the Kookaburra Cup.
“It’s one-day conditions and one-day rules now,” Gower said of the change.
“So it’s coloured clothing, white balls, fielding restrictions, 50 overs, so all that sort of thing.”