No pressure for Blues says Smith

The favourites tag will not be a burden as NSW seek to end a long one-day cup drought against South Australia, says Blues skipper Steve Smith.

NSW captain Steve Smith believes there is no pressure on his side entering Sunday's one-day cup final against South Australia.

Smith's assertion comes despite the Blues carrying the tag of red-hot favourites as they seek to end a 10-year winning drought.

The all-star NSW side stormed into the final with five straight wins, led by Test paceman Mitchell Starc who collected 23 wickets at the barely believable average of 7.5.

NSW have also been imperious with the bat and Test skipper Smith leads the competition batting averages having been dismissed just three times for an average of 117, and along with Blues opener Nic Maddinson, has scored two centuries.

The Redbacks, by contrast, have no players with Test experience and suffered a hefty 156-run loss to the Blues a fortnight ago.

Yet, Smith says there is burden of expectation for his side as they seek to end an unusually long run without success in the competition.

"I don't think so," said Smith when asked if there was extra pressure on the Blues for the match at North Sydney Oval.

"It is just about going out and playing the way we have in this tournament which has been quality.

"We have a lot of players that have played for Australia, and they have played some big games under pressure which always helps leading into a final."

The only downside for the Blues is the absence of Shane Watson with a calf strain, while Smith himself says he is fit following a slight knee strain.

"I'm feel like I'm hitting the ball well at the moment," he said.

"I would like a big score and a win for NSW, especially because we haven't won for 10 years so it is a big one for us."

"South Australia have played some good cricket in this tournament, so they are a big challenge for us."

Despite just two games over the past two seasons, the Redbacks have defied expectations to finish third, before knocking off Victoria with a confident 56-run win on Friday.

"We are pretty confident, even it is a hard task with the NSW team being so strong," said SA captain Travis Head.

"We probably haven't put the perfect game together yet with bat or ball.

"They go in as favourites no doubt, and they deserve that.

"They are only human. If we can put them under pressure, that is what we are looking for.

"We are underdogs against that side, but we have been the whole tournament."


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Source: AAP



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