Young pace bowlers Paul Rofe and Ryan Harris have today been included in a thirteen-man squad from which South Australia's team to play Queensland in the opening match of the 2000-01 Mercantile Mutual Cup season will be chosen.

A product of the Australian Cricket Academy, Rofe is a tall right arm fast bowler who represents East Torrens in Adelaide grade competition. The nineteen year-old has been a regular member of state and national underage sides and his ability to gain good pace and sharp bounce from his height has already won favour with many of the country's keenest judges of junior talent. Harris, 21, has enjoyed consistent success meanwhile as an all-rounder for Northern Districts. Like his new teammate, the right handed batsman and right arm fast bowler was awarded a South Australian contract for the first time earlier this year.

Aside from the inclusion of the two newcomers - at least one of whom is certain to make his state debut in the season opener - the Redbacks have selected a vastly experienced squad. Paul Wilson, Mark Harrity and Brett Swain lead a well balanced attack while Darren Lehmann, Greg Blewett, David Fitzgerald and Chris Davies assume star billing with the bat. As expected, Lehmann and Blewett (both discarded from the national team last season) assume the side's leadership positions.

One player will be omitted from the line-up shortly before the Redbacks commence their clash with Queensland at Brisbane's Allan Border Field on Sunday. The Queenslanders are expected to name their squad shortly.

The full South Australian squad is: Lehmann (c), Blewett (vc), Davies, Fitzgerald, Harris, Harrity, Ben Johnson, Graham Manou, Peter McIntyre, Rofe, Swain, Jeff Vaughan, Wilson.

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