Season 8 NSW PC Squad

Zac Berkuta

Rookie

Middle Order Batsman
BS Season 8: 1203 runs @ 50.13
FC Career: 4473 runs @ 38.23
NSW Career: -

The uncapped Berkuta is very much a form-based selection. He averages less than 40 in First Class cricket and has mounted season averages of 29, 47, 24 and 50 respectively to make the squad. While this isn't usually the New South Wales way of going about things, the distinct lack of serious season form from even the experienced batsmen guaranteed spots, along with the lack of other options who haven't failed in the past, has made his selection in the squad a must. Another good player of spin, Berkuta played well in the trial game and was part of a very successful Stingrays batting lineup this season. If he plays, he'll bat at six.

 

Juan Gonzalez

5

Utility Batsman, Medium Bowler
21 NSW caps
BS Season 8: 1041 runs @ 47.32; 6 wickets @ 18.33
FC Career: 10990 runs @ 42.27; 65 wickets @ 41.83
NSW Career: 1448 runs @ 37.13

The perennial fill-in batsman for several seasons, Gonzalez has finally managed to cement himself a place in the New South Wales team over the last couple of series. He had a somewhat odd Bannerman Shield season, averaging 47 despite not hitting a century, although this could well be down to batting six all season - he scored a century for NSW in the mid-season Origin competition when he opened. His medium bowling has been a sensation in one day cricket and while it's generally thought to be a little too toothless to have impact at First Class level, he's broken key partnerships of late. It's yet to be announced where he'll bat, although he's a certain starter for the first game and more than likely the entire series.