Greg Chappell has predicted that at least two or three members of the Cricket Australia XI controversially included in the interstate one-day competition will become key players for Australia.
The CA XI, which features young players from around the country who missed state selection, began their debut one-day campaign with two embarrassing record defeats, before securing an unexpected three-run win over Tasmania at the weekend.
The lop-sided defeats prompted criticism, with suggestions the youngsters would be scarred by the experience after facing the likes of Test fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and James Pattinson in blistering form.
Chappell, who was partly responsible for the creation of the team as Cricket Australia's national talent manager, launched a strong defence on Thursday, insisting exposing the youngsters to top-level cricket would hasten their development.
"Talent is not the problem in Australian cricket," Chappell said.
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"The roadblock comes with players coming out of the under-age programs, and trying to find places in senior teams. I don't see any downside (to the team's introduction).
"The worst thing that can happen is they lose a few games, but they will learn something.
"I know no matter happens in this tournament, there will be two or three players that come out of this team who will be very good players for Australia in the future."
The CA XI, who are also locked in to participate in next year's competition, were bowled out for 59 and 79 in the opening two games after coming up against Starc and Pattinson.
Most of Australia's Test players have unexpectedly featured in the one-day cup after the tour of Bangladesh was canned for security reasons, but Chappell said facing that level of opposition was a blessing in disguise.
"The boys ran into a few hurdles early in the tournament, but that can happen with a young side," said Chappell.
"Particularly against one of the best bowlers in the world. Mitch Starc has made a few players look ordinary, and that is all part of the experience.
"To have this opportunity to play against some of the best players in the world is a wonderful opportunity.
"A number of them will come out much better players for the experience.
"In eras gone by, young players had the opportunity to play against Test players in first-class cricket.
"It doesn't happen now with international players being away so much, so to have an opportunity like this is gold.
"They don't get better in the nets. They get better by being challenged by players who are better than they are."
