The NSW side could beat a combined state side - but only if all NSW's internationals were there, and the other states didn't have theres.
NSW are good, but Queensland cricket is blossoming, as is Western Australia - the Victorians aren't far off the pace either, so there is no way NSW is that far ahead of everyone.
For the past decade or more they have always been a strong side, especially with their internationals back - they are, it seems, disadvantaged by the quality of their cricketers because they go on to bigger and better sides.
My tip this year is M. Clarke to play tests for Australia this year and have a very long career...he impresses me more and more and looks like the little international taste he has had will make him hungry to go all the way..
I agree. The handful of one day internationals he has played have been very impressive - 39* in his first match, then given a rest to accomodate for so-called 'better players', then he found his way back in and has impressed where he has been given opportunities.
From just 5 innings (spread over a few months) at the top he has amassed over 200 runs and averages 104.50 in OD Internationals. Two half centuries, including a 75* - he has the makings of a regular international by seasons-end.
I get excited about Australia's cricketing future when I see young batsmen like Clarke emerging from state cricket - in just two seasons he has made a name for himself as the next big thing to hit cricket.