CA XI a 'win-win' situation: Chappell

The Cricket Australia XI’s inaugural Matador BBQs One-Day Cup campaign has been declared an overwhelming success by National Talent Manager Greg Chappell.

The squad of fringe state players and promising young players were handed record-breaking defeats in their opening two matches of the three-week tournament, before bouncing back to defeat the Tasmanian Tigers and produce some more competitive performances towards the end of the tournament. 

HIGHLIGHTS: CA XI stun Tigers

Speaking after the first year of a two-year trial, Chappell reiterated his belief that there was no downside to the revolutionary concept.

"The biggest positive is just having the opportunity and learning from their experiences," Chappell said after the CA XI’s final match ended in a 79-run defeat on the D/L Method against South Australia.

"The only way you’ll learn and the only way you get better is to experience things.

"You don’t get better sitting on the sidelines, so to be out there in the middle, you just can’t replicate that in training.

"Some of the best lessons you get are from your worst days. Failure is a part of getting better.

"A development process for an individual isn’t a linear thing, it has its ups and downs.

"The better players will take the lessons and continue to get better and that’s all we can hope for."

Zimbabwean-born batsman Hilton Cartwright showcased his power-hitting ability in the final two matches, including a brutal 99 – and a smashed windscreen courtesy of an enormous six - against the myFootDr Queensland Bulls that ended in a heart-breaking run-out just short of his maiden List A century. 

WATCH: Cartwright's monster six

Cartwright, who has played for Western Australia in seasons past, followed up with 66 in another unsuccessful run chase against the West End Redbacks that again featured some of the biggest sixes seen in the tournament.

The 23-year-old is now a prime example of why the CA XI exists after being left out of the Warriors 14-man group, even the initial squad without the Test squad members who were then added after the postponement of the Qantas Tour of the Bangladesh.

Cartwright improved throughout the tournament and while Chappell agreed the right-hander was an example of the benefits of this new team, the Australian Test legend was also impressed by members of the young bowling attack.

"Some of the bowlers did some good things throughout the tournament, not least of all the young spinners," Chappell said.

"It’s been a tough tournament for the batsmen, even the experienced batsmen have found it really hard.

"Having to think their way through that and work out ways that next time they’re in that position in these conditions, they’ll have a better way or idea of how to handle it."

WATCH: You don't get better in the nets: Chappell

Young leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson showed glimpses of brilliance and will now return to Queensland to develop his craft behind the state’s incumbent first-class spinner Cameron Boyce.

Chappell believes a number of the players that featured in the CA XI during the Sydney-based one-day tournament will be called upon for their state sides in the Sheffield Shield with the added preparation of some domestic cricket already under their belt.

"Talking to some of the coaches and support staff from the other teams suggests they’ve been taking a very keen interest," Chappell said.

"I don’t see any downside for the states, because these guys wouldn’t have been playing.

"Now they’ve had a full season of Matador Cup cricket, if they get an opportunity next season then they’re that much more experienced and more ready to go.

"I think it’s a win-win situation."

WATCH: CA XI hold nerve in thrilling final over

A review of the team’s season will now be undertaken and Chappell expects some changes for their second year, although it is unclear at this stage whether or not that will include a view to selecting more experienced players to guide the younger talent through.

Chappell admitted he entered the competition with an open mind in regards to the fledgling side’s maiden campaign, but said he did predict they would record a victory at some stage of the tournament.

"We thought we’d be good enough to at least do that," he said.

"I didn’t have too many pre-conceived ideas about it other than how positive it was for the young blokes involved and for Australian cricket.

"These guys wouldn’t get better sitting at home watching on television or having more practice sessions.

"Being in the contest, being up against better and more experienced players who can exploit their weaknesses and it’s up to them to be able to find ways around it.

"I think most of the guys had a day or two throughout the tournament where they got some positive outcomes, so they’ll take something out of that. They’ll also take a lot of things out of the tough days they ahead.

"Discussions will be held around a number of areas, but it’s hard to tell what those changes might be.

"I’m sure there’ll be some adjustments to the whole thing, but overall I’m extremely pleased with the way it’s gone and from an Australian cricket point of view it’s hugely positive."