'It was a massive surprise': Coote pumped to wrangle with Orana

CENTRAL West Wranglers quick Jackson Coote is no stranger to representative sides, but the gangly Orange City firebrand admitted he has no clue what to expect from Sunday’s Plan B Regional Bash clash at Wade Park.

The competition essentially replaces the SCG Country Cup, and Coote’s Wranglers - basically Mitchell Cricket Council - will clash with the Orana Outlaws - Macquarie Valley and Lachlan Councils combined - in their competition opener tomorrow.

With the likes of Richie Venner, Mick Delaney, Josh Toole and Jameel Qureshi turning out for the Wranglers and the Outlaws boasting players like Jordan Moran, James O’Brien, Jason Ryan and Jacob McNaught, Coote said punters can be assured of a great spectacle at the very least.

After saying he’s sure he’ll need to draw on all his experience with Orange, Mitchell, Western Zone and NSW Country to help do his bit for Central West, Coote admitted he’s just chuffed to be involved.

“It was a massive surprise,” he enthused.

“With only one [Western Premier League] game played, and no Western side picked yet, selectors won’t have had much to go on other than word of mouth and previous performances.

“So I must have done something in the past to impress a little bit, which is always a good sign.

“With this being a new competition, and Twenty20, it’s a great opportunity for myself and everyone else who got picked to really stamp their authority on the competition and potentially the region, even though we are knocked out if we lose.”

With the Wranglers missing drawcard Trent Copeland and Sydney University gun Max Hope, Coote conceded the Outlaws - who also boast much of last year’s Western Zone side - demand favouritism.

But, as the 24-year-old explained, favouritism doesn’t count for much in the shortest form of the game.

“I know the Outlaws have some big hitters and strong bowlers, but so do we,” Coote said.

“In this format I think it’s really about whoever can take control of the game first, so I think starting well whether it’s with bat or ball is crucial for both sides.

“We need to play for each other, if we bowl well and back it up in the field, which is so critical in Twenty20, I think we can get over the line.

“Personally, I’m just looking to do my bit. Looking at keeping my economy rate at or under six an over would be a start, and hopefully picking up some wickets from there.”

Sunday’s clash kicks off at 2pm, with a plethora of family-oriented entertainment in the lead up.