After dismissing Muswellbrook for 92 Tamworth needed just just 14.1 overs to polish off a winning 1-92 and a third round berth on November 15.

Opening bowlers Adam Greentree (4-34) and Tim Kensell (5-24) were the stars with Aaron Hazlewood (1-4) chipping with the final wicket in an innings which lasted just 24.2 of the normal 50 overs.

Michael Brooks topscored for Muswellbrook with 29 off 34 balls, an innings which included three fours and two sixes.

Opener Darren Eastbrook (12) and Scott Bailey (10) were the only batsmen to reach double figures.

Tamworth’s new opening batting combination, Adam Lole (27no) and Simon Norvill (37) then picked off a 51-run partnership in a quick run chase.

Norvill’s 37 came off just 23 balls and included six fours and a six.

Teenage star Aaron Flaherty was unbeaten on 12 and he added 42 for the unbroken second wicket stand with Lole.

Tamworth skipper Jeff Cook was delighted with the win, Tamworth’s first in its defence of the SCG Country Cup after enjoying a first round bye.

“It was a great effort by the bowlers, Adam and Tim. They bowled exceptionally well. And then Simon got a few quick runs and Adam and Aaron batted well. It was a great start by everybody. The fielding was very good. We wanted to make a point of starting well after winning it last year.”

Meanwhile, Brett Lee is hopeful of making himself available for selection in Australia’s first Test against the West Indies in Brisbane later this month.

Lee, who turns 33 next Sunday, told AAP he won’t know the full extent of the injury for a couple of days.

Australia’s fourth highest Test wicket-taker is “doing everything I possibly can to make sure I’m back on the cricket field ASAP”.

“I still enjoy my cricket and I still think the way that I’ve been bowling, I’ve been really happy with my personal form,” Brett Lee said.

“I have to make sure I stay nice and fit.”