REDBACKS left-armer Percy Raveneau (knee) has been passed fit but Rugby seamer Scott Traves is in serious doubt for tomorrow's round three SCG Country Cup clash against Dubbo at Dubbo's No 1 Oval.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Bathurst City's Jason Crosara will travel to Dubbo and step into the 12 if all-rounder Traves is ruled out.
Traves (knee) will be given until the last minute to prove his fitness. The Mitchell representative is a key component of the Bathurst unit with bat and ball.
Bathurst manager Paul Knight said Raveneau's fitness was a boost for the side. However, he revealed Traves was only 75 per cent fit at Thursday's training session.
The in-form Crosara slapped 45 in the top-order for Redbacks in their two-day BOIDC contest against Waratahs before taking a wicket later in the day.
ORC's Brad Cady has the gloves but his role as a batsman could depend on whether Bathurst bat first or second in the 50-overs-a-side contest.
Knight said although the Dubbo side was full of batting and bowling talent, Bathurst has the outfit capable to get to Tamworth.
"We have a tough assignment, however, the one thing we have in our favour is the underdog tag," Knight said.
"Ten good balls in the bowling attack and a commitment to being shot selective and patient will allow us to build partnerships with the bat. If we perform, we won't be coming home empty-handed."
Bathurst skipper Paul Miller said his side could compete with Dubbo. His one concern was the lack of a spinner with the dry wickets in Dubbo.
"I think there's a lot of pride in Bathurst cricket this season," Miller said.
"We've got a good bunch and while we know Dubbo have a strong side, we can match them. We've got our best players competing for Bathurst, which is a strong sign."
Dubbo beat Mudgee in round one and a strong Orange outfit in round two to qualify for the round three SCG Country Cup contest, while Bathurst had a round one bye and beat Cowra in round two.
In the President's Cup in Bathurst, Miller's men beat the Blue Mountains but were big losers to Richie Venner's Orange outfit.
The winner books a place in the final 16 rounds at Tamworth (December 27-29) in a tournament where the two finalists play off at the Sydney Cricket Ground next year in the decider.
Bathurst reserve batsman Damian Hanrahan and reserve bowler Aaron Seymour will travel with the Paul Miller-led side.
Bathurst will stay in Geurie tonight, with the bus leaving at 7.30pm. Knight said this team bonding would mould Bathurst into a champion unit before tomorrow's match starts at 10am.
