NSW bowler Trent Copeland believes he deserves a Test recall despite being limited to just 11 overs on a rainy first day of the Sheffield Shield clash with Western Australia at the SCG.
The lanky right-armer finished with 0 for 22, including five maidens, as WA reached 0 for 37 in the 21.2 overs possible on a wet and gloomy Friday.
Openers Wes Robinson (22 not out) and Marcus Harris (13 not out) managed to keep Copeland and the NSW bowlers at bay on a very green wicket.
But Copeland felt good about his display on a day when five players, including fast bowlers Ryan Harris and Mitchell Johnson, were all ruled out of selection for next week's first Test against New Zealand in Brisbane.
The 25-year-old was unlucky to lose his spot in South Africa after appearing in all three Test matches on the tour of Sri Lanka but should regain his place against the Kiwis.
"We got a chance to bowl for a little while today, and beat the bat that many times it was quite a challenge mentally," Copeland told reporters.
"I came back in after we came off, had a look at the footage and I was stoked with my grouping and how I was letting the ball go.
"I got the ball to do what I wanted it to in the air and off the wicket.
"It is really up to the new selection panel, what they think going forward is the right option."
The lost play on day one is no help for the Blues, who have just two points from their four matches so far this summer and need a win to keep their competition hopes alive.
WA come into the match level on 14 points in second position with Tasmania and Warriors skipper Marcus North is hoping for a solid display on day two.
"Once the sun comes out and the pitch gets a little bit harder, there's no doubt it's going to be challenging for the batters but I thought we applied ourselves today," North said.
"The big key for us is to start well tomorrow and see where it goes."
North also gave his backing to Copeland, saying he believes the NSW bowler should earn a Test call-up.
"From what I've seen with Copes, he's obviously an outstanding bowler and I'm sure, given another opportunity, he'll do well for Australia."
Play will resume if the weather clears at 10.30am AEDT on Saturday.
AAP
Tags: cricket, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia First posted November 25, 2011 21:18:22
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