For Steven Smith, it might be the closest he has come to the spotlight in his brief cricketing career. The New South Wales Blues player hangs about with a few of his team mates, even as the media corners more familiar names such as Simon Katich and Stuart Clark.

However, the 20-year-old leg-spinner aims to make his mark in the inaugural Champions League Twenty20, starting October 8.

“It’s a huge platform for the youngsters to get noticed. If I can take a few wickets, get some runs and help my team win a few matches, it will be great,” says Smith with excitement. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem contagious.

Squeezed between the ongoing Champions Trophy and Australia’s tour to India, the first edition of the tournament has failed to receive much attention. A chunk of questions directed at the Aussie players, in fact, is about their team’s performance in South Africa and their chances against India later in the month. But Victoria Bush Rangers’s Brad Hodge looks at the positive side of the packed schedule.

“There is an ODI series against India after the Champions League. If a young player gets a chance and plays well, who knows he might even make it to the national team. So there is a lot at stake,” he says.

For their parts, it’s not only national selectors or fans the players are aiming to impress. They know a standout performance might also bolster their chances of making the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL). Victoria coach Greg Shipperd certainly believes so.

... contd.