Two of the most talented and successful cricketers to come out of far north Queensland have praised the region’s facilities ahead of the Queensland Rail Bulls Masters tour next week.

Martin Kent and Jimmy Maher, born in Mossman and Innisfail respectively, are both part of the touring party which also includes the likes of Allan Border, Ian Healy, Jeff Thomson, Wendell Sailor and Wayne Grady.

Maher has had great success on his home turf, having made a century against New Zealand and a fifty against England in tour matches at Cazaly’s in the late 1990s, and he’s hoping to repeat that success in Port Douglas next Saturday.

He expects another top-class strip for the match against the Far North Queensland Invitational XI, following on from the wicket produced for the corresponding match last year.

“It was a real credit for the locals to get that up in the middle of football season,” Maher said.

“The wicket was really good and they had some tough conditions to contend with the week before we got there with some rain.

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“Last year’s event was pretty successful and all the events we did were pretty well attended. It was good to see so many people enjoying us coming up there.

Kent, who played three Tests and five ODIs for Australia, also gave the Port Douglas complex the thumbs up.

“I was so impressed with the facility I saw at Port Douglas,” Kent said.

“While first-class cricket should be played on first-class grounds, the odd game in the country is fantastic, and I might add from what I’ve seen of some of the facilities in the country, they’re getting better and better and better.

“I’ve got no doubt what we’ll receive when we go to the north (this month) will be just as good.”

After being inspired at a clinic by West Indian great Wes Hall in his youth, Kent said it was vital the Queensland Rail Bulls Masters continued to reach out to youngsters in regional areas.

“Having the talent and the Masters, if you like, come to the country towns and the schools, and playing against the locals, they’ll remember that,” Kent said.

“It’s historical, there are a lot of good cricketers from the north and the country. I think the system is far better these days at identifying them and getting them in to competition early.”

The Queensland Rail Bulls Masters tour begins in Cairns with a golf day at Paradise Palms on May 16, with a sportsman’s dinner to be held on May 17, and a Twenty20 match against the FNQ  Invitational XI on Saturday, May 19 at the Port Douglas Sports Complex.