Five potential debutants, new captain headline Blues squad for Shield opener

Charlie Stobo will become the NSW Blues’ 123rd first-class captain when he leads the new-look side, with multiple players unavailable due to national and Australia A commitments. 

Stobo, who debuted for NSW in 2016, has been identified as a leader within the playing group, entrusted with taking charge of a young Blues team. He will be supported by vice-captain Sean Abbott, another highly-valued leader in the squad. 

Stobo has been elevated to the role in the absence of Nic Maddinson, who has joined Australia’s Test squad in South Africa. Sam Konstas, Josh Philippe, Ben Dwarshuis, Tanveer Sangha and Lachlan Shaw were also unavailable for selection due to the ongoing Australia A tour of India, while Liam Hatcher is being managed having returned from the subcontinent on Tuesday. 

Jake Scott and Riley Kingsell, who starred during the Blues’ One-Day Cup victory over Brisbane last month, are in line to receive a coveted Baggy Blue this week, along with recruit Bryce Jackson. 

Selected from outside the NSW Blues squad, St George’s Reiley Mark and Mosman’s Brock Fitton earn their maiden state call-ups, rewarded for their impressive performances in McDonald’s NSW Premier Cricket. 

Kurtis Patterson, who sustained a groin injury during NSW’s One-Day Cup win in Brisbane, is tracking well in his recovery, and is expected to be available for the Sheffield Shield opener. Meanwhile, Jack Edwards returns to the Blues squad after making his ODI debut in South Africa. 

Elsewhere, Joel Davies is recovering from a right hamstring strain he sustained during Australia’s recent ODI series against South Africa. 

The NSW Blues’ Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania commences at Cricket Central on Thursday at 10.30am AEDT. Australian fans can watch the action on cricket.com.au and Kayo Sports. 

NSW Blues’ Sheffield Shield squad vs Tasmania, October 8-11 

Charlie Stobo (c), Sean Abbott, Oliver Davies, Jack Edwards, Brock Fitton, Ryan Hicks, Bryce Jackson, Riley Kingsell, Reiley Mark, Kurtis Patterson, Will Salzmann, Jake Scott