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WA all-rounder Charlie Stobo is backing teammate Cooper Connolly to get the job done if selected in the playing XI in the Shield Final against Tasmania.
Yesterday, Shield leading run scorer, Cameron Bancroft will miss the final after a freak cycling accident on Sunday, resulting in a concussion serious enough to require an overnight stay in hospital.
Speaking to Sports Breakfast, Stobo says it was a shame for Bancroft to miss out.
“I think a few of the guys found out, as it happened, I was actually in Sydney so I didn't know until I came back on Monday,” he said.
“We were all aware, we all had a bit of a preview for the game yesterday and it was mentioned then. It's a real shame, but we've had to adapt a lot this year to injuries.
“One more big obstacle and it’s a shame that he can't be joining us tomorrow.”
Bancroft and uncapped all-rounder Keaton Critchell have been omitted from the squad, while Teague Wyllie and Connolly have been called up. Should Connolly be selected, he will make his first-class debut for WA.
Stobo believes Connolly is ready to step up and can handle the pressure.
“We saw him perform in a Big Bash final as everyone saw last season and that's in front of 40-50,000 people and he's been scoring runs in all formats all year,” he said.
“I think in terms of handling pressure and, and playing big games, I think he's someone who's proven that he can, do well and being around the group all year, he'll come in and fit in really seamlessly to give him a chance.
“I think whoever comes in and plays that role, everybody in the group knows that can do it and there'll be backing from everyone.”
On Thursday, the final between Western Australia and Tasmania kicks off at the WACA ground, with WA searching its third consecutive title.
The home final was secured in bizarre circumstances, with Tasmania losing its final-round match against South Australia to drop from first to second on the ladder.
Meanwhile, WA and Victoria battled it out for the final spot, with WA coming out victorious, jumping from third to first.
Stobo says the idea of a three-peat has motivated the group, but staying present is key.
“It's obviously something we've talked about but I think it's used more as motivation for us,” he said.
“Having won the past couple of years, it's been a really cool challenge this year to get to the final under completely different circumstances. We've had guys coming into the group that haven't played before this year and they've done extremely well.
“We're using that as, we could win it three years in a row in very, very different circumstances.
“We want to create a bit of a legacy in the group and we've got to believe that we can do that for the long term.
“We see it as something that's driving us but obviously staying present and going through our processes and everything like that in the now is probably more important for the time being.”
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