First XI skipper Craig Trindall said the return of the free-scoring pair bolsters Narrabri’s batting line-up.

Former Sheffield Shield bowler Steve Nikitaras has also been named to make his debut for the Narrabri first XI after a wash-out prevented him from playing against Tamworth Blue last month.

Trindall said consistent all-rounder Craig Gleeson will open the batting with lynchpin Chris Sargent.

He is hoping that pair can take the shine off the Kookaburra and set the platform for a 240-run plus total but said not losing wickets in clumps is the key to a good score.

Cameron is listed to bat at three but if Narrabri can hold onto early wickets Dowdell could have a major influence late in his side’s innings.

“That score (240) certainly is not beyond us when you look at the calibre of players we have selected,” Trindall said.

Trindall said Nikitaras would spearhead the attack with Tourist captain Trevor Parminter, Brady Jenkins and the skipper the support acts.

Shane Smith and Gleeson are other seam options while Sargent and Josh Campbell offer spinning alternatives in a side where most players bowl.

But getting wickets won’t be too easy.

Trindall said Tamworth Gold’s batting strength lies with their top order in Central North openers Adam Lole and Michael Rixon. Then there is NSW Country stars Jeff Cook and Tom Groth (captain and wicket-keeper).

But Trindall believes if Narrabri can take early wickets there will emphasis on Cook to resurrect the innings, just like he did with a majestic 101 in Tamworth’s seven-wicket SCG Country Cup round four loss to Merewether.

“This team isn’t as strong as they have sent over in the last couple of seasons,” Trindall said.

“They’ve got a couple of young fellers in their line-up who have come through the junior rep system and while they seem like capable youngsters if we skittle the top order it puts an enormous amount of pressure on them (Cook and Groth).