NSW faces a Victoria hungry for respect

NSW faces a Victorian side hungry for respect in their ING Cup cricket match at the SCG tomorrow.

After a 2001-02 season marred by on and off-field dramas and culminating in disappointing fifth placings in both competitions, the Bushrangers have captured their rivals' attention as contenders in the four-day game this season.

With three wins from five Pura Cup matches, Victoria leads the competition table, two points ahead of the Blues.

But the Bushrangers are yet to mirror that success in the one-day game with one win and a loss for five points, four behind leader Tasmania and three adrift of Queensland and NSW.

Listening to new Victorian coach David Hookes however, it's obvious the side set to play a formidable NSW line-up tomorrow is inspired.

"There is a lot of discussion by the older blokes - particularly Darren Berry, who's obviously captain - that they want to get some respect and some regard from their opponents," Hookes said.

"That was most of my theme during the winter, that everybody thought that...the [Victorian] team was awful and there was no harmony.

"I must say, the harmony aspect, there's not been an issue with that at all.

"As far as the players getting respect, that doesn't just happen on the scoreboard.

"It happens the way you play the game...and our focus certainly has been on that from July - gaining respect around the country."

Recalled NSW batsman Michael Slater, who will make his first one-day appearance for the Blues in a year, indicated his team would be wary of the revived Bushrangers.

"Victoria's been a side that can be an upset side on their day," Slater said.

"But predominantly they've had a lot of in-house problems, there's been a lot of bitching behind the scenes.

"To see them come out and show some consistency and be at the top of the (Pura Cup) table has surprised and opened the eyes of all the other states."

NSW paceman Stuart Clark expects batting to be the key to success for his team, which will take on a Victorian side packed with former Blues players.

"Batting is something we've talked about and if we do that well then the bowling hopefully will take care of itself," Clark said.

Former NSW representatives Jason Arnberger, Jon Moss and Graeme Rummans will line up for Victoria against a Blues outfit boasting former Test stars Michael Bevan, Mark Waugh, Stuart MacGill and Slater.

NSW: Simon Katich (capt), Corey Richards, Brad Haddin, Michael Bevan, Michael Clarke, Mark Waugh, Michael Slater, Shawn Bradstreet, Dominic Thornely, Stuart MacGill, Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Matthew Phelps (13th man)

Victoria: Darren Berry (capt), Matthew Elliott, Nick Jewell, Brad Hodge, Graeme Rummans, Jason Arnberger, Jon Moss, Cameron White, Andrew McDonald, Shane Harwood, Mick Lewis, Mathew Inness