20/12/2008 6:01 AM
Victorian coach Greg Shipperd admits he has never been so spoiled for choice throughout his long career as a state cricket coach.
Shipperd of course is referring to the Bushrangers' current fast bowling crop, which is fast becoming the envy of rival states.
Just days after crushing Western Australia in just two and a half days to move eight points clear on top of the Sheffield Shield table, the Vics take on the Warriors in a Ford Ranger Cup clash at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.
A win there would also see the Vics move to top place in that competition as the Bushrangers - who are the reigning Australian Twenty20 champions - look to emulate last season's feat of making all three domestic finals.
However while Shipperd is not prepared to make any bold predictions on that front, he is more than happy to talk up the star-studded bowling line-up he has at his disposal.
Shipperd, who played for Western Australia at a time when they had fast bowlers galore and also coached Tasmania, has such depth at his disposal at the moment in his fast bowling ranks that Darren Pattinson - who has already played Test cricket for England - cannot get a regular game.
The Bushrangers not only have Peter Siddle in the Test side but also have other quality quicks in Dirk Nannes, Clint McKay, Shan Harwood, Damien Wright as well as Pattinson and all-rounder Andrew McDonald.
"It's equal to the best (fast bowling group) I have been involved with," Shipperd said.
"It's very difficult to make those judgements and generally you can only fit three or four in but we have got six or seven up and about at the moment but they are all being very patient in terms of their opportunities."
"But they have all been brilliant and they all offer different things."
"We have got Wright with his swing, McKay and Siddle with their raw pace, Nannes is the X-factor who can bowl all over the shop but bowls wicket-taking balls and then we have got Harwood with his aggression and pace."
"And we have got Darren Pattinson and the skill of McDonald to back that up."
McDonald said the competition for spots was one of the reasons why all the Vics' bowlers have been taking wickets this season - out of fear of losing their place in the side if they don't.
"It's exciting to be a part of it but then you always have someone behind you as well putting the pressure on you to perform," he said.
"At any given stage of the year anyone can step up and take it upon themselves to be the leader of the bowling attack and that is the fantastic evenness of our group and that is why the team is sitting where are in both forms of the game."