Dubbo’s Marty Jeffrey will be looking to use what he learned from the Sydney Sixers when he takes the field for NSW at the National Indigenous Cricket Championships NICC this week.
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Jeffrey spent much of the summer in Sydney training alongside the Big Bash League runners-up, after being named the Sixers’ Community Rookie for season six.
“I think I learned a lot about cricket, not just the game side of things but just about how things are run in terms of high level cricket,” Jeffrey said.
“I’ve always played rep cricket but this was a step up again and seeing how the guys prepare for the games.
“It was a great experience over the few months I was there and I learned a lot.”
The young leg spinner also had the chance to spend some time with Sixers spinners Stephen O’Keefe and Johan Botha, although fan favourite Nathan Lyon was largely absent due to test and one day international commitments.
Jeffrey said he learned a lot from O’Keefe and Botha, who were both “very smart at what they do”.
It’s that thoughtfulness Jeffrey will be hoping to take into the NICC when it kicks off in Alice Springs on Monday.
NSW goes into the carnival as the reigning champions, after Jeffrey helped them to a win in last year’s grand final. The RSL-Colts leg spinner was disappointed with his showing with the bat, but claimed 2/3 from his 1.4 overs.
The majority of this year’s side is based in Sydney, with one player each from Tamworth, the Central Coast, Dubbo and Coffs Harbour.
He said they have a good shot at defending their title.
“I think the side that was selected this year is definitely as strong as it was last year,” he said.
“Probably a bit more emphasis on spin which will suit the conditions up here.
“But after winning it last year we’d like to not give anyone a chance [to take it] and I hope we can do it.”
The 10-day open age carnival combines 50-over games with Twenty20 matches, and Jeffrey said consistency would be key.
“I think just use [what I’ve learned] and try and be a smart cricketer,” he said.
“Everyone knows these carnivals aren’t won on day one or two – it’s about being consistent.
“I’ll just try and be as mature as I can and just use my stuff I’ve learned to be as consistent as I can and try and get good performances not just on day one but on day 10 as well.”
The NSW side kicks off its NICC title defence with what will probably be its biggest test: a repeat of last year’s grand final against Queensland. The 2017 final will be held on Monday, February 13.