Cox, who has represented NSW under-21s for the past two years and was the recipient of last year’s NSW Country scholarship trip to England, is one of only two country players who have been selected in the team.

The other is Newcastle batsman Mark Faraday who is also captain of the NSW under-17 team of which Dubbo’s Mitchell O’Connor is a member.

The NSW team plays three matches in Launceston for the Institutes Cup which is now in its second year.

The junior Blues play Institute teams from South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria in one-day matches over three days, using the same rules as the Mercantile Mutual Cup.

Cox’s selection came as a result of strong performances for Western Zone Colts and a fine display with the ball for NSW Country Colts in their rain-affected match against City.

Cox and Faraday are the first country players to be selected for NSWIS Colts and, according to team coach David Patterson, Cox’s all-round abilities made him ideal for the Institutes Cup format.

“Brad has been involved in NSW cricket programs since his selection in the Australian under-15 World Cup team in 1996,” Patterson said.

“He is a talented all-rounder ideally suited to play one-day cricket.”

Most recently Cox has been a standout with the ball for his Dubbo RSL Whitney Cup team RSL Colts.

He took an economical 1-7 as Souths were dismissed for just 83 on day one of their two-day match last round, and 2-30 on day two at the weekend.

Despite his efforts, however, the Hornets held on to defeat the defending premiers, the loss just their second this season.

With Colts captain Glen Gallagher rating Cox as the quickest bowler in the competition at the moment, and his ability to restrict the batsmen invaluable, Cox’s club team will be eager to have him back on board for the first day of their round 14 clash against second-placed CYMS.

After their loss at the weekend Colts are clinging to a slender lead of just five points over CYMS on the Whitney Cup table and the result of the round 14 two-day match, the penultimate of the season, will have a major bearing on the final standings.

Cox will also be vital to Dubbo’s chances in the Advance Energy Cup final which takes place against Bathurst at Bathurst Sportsground on Sunday.

NSW Institute of Sport Colts: Shane Stanton (c) (Sydney University), Matthew Baker (North Sydney), Colin Barry (Western Suburbs), Brad Cox (Dubbo), Tim Cruickshank (Manly-Warringah), Mark Faraday (Newcastle), Keegan Luiters (Campbelltown), Aaron O’Brien (Northern Districts), Steven Phillips (Western Suburbs), Aaron Scott (Sydney University), Daniel Smith (Petersham-Marrickville), Peter Wooden (St George). Coach: David Patterson.