Photo Credit: Cricket Tasmania
The Tasmanian Tigers are running through their final days of training before departing for the first rounds of the Marsh Sheffield Shield in South Australia.
The Tigers will play the Queensland Bulls from 10 October at Park 25 in Adelaide, and have begun their period of isolation here in Tasmania before flying on Thursday evening. In line with Cricket Australia policies for this summer, the traveling party – players and staff – are required to remain at home or at training venues for three days prior to departure with strict biosecurity arrangements in place.
Tasmanian Tigers Head Coach Jeff Vaughan said the squad are primed and ready to go.
“The guys are excited and ready to play competitive cricket”, said Vaughan. “It’s been a long winter and everyone is looking forward to getting back out there after last season was curtailed.”
“The players and staff are very grateful to all the work that has happened behind the scenes to make the Adelaide hub happen.”
Matthew Wade has been selected as the Tasmanian Tigers Captain for the 2020-21 season, but in his absence Tim Paine will captain the side.
The Tigers squad travelling to South Australia is:
Tim Paine (C)
Tom Andrews
Gabe Bell
Jackson Bird
Alex Doolan
Jake Doran
Ben McDermott
Riley Meredith
Nathan Ellis
Sam Rainbird
Peter Siddle
Jordan Silk
Matthew Wade*
Charile Wakim
Tim Ward
Beau Webster
Mac Wright
*Matthew Wade will join the squad for Round 3 commencing on 30 October against Victoria.
If selected in the final XI for a match, Tom Andrews, Peter Siddle and Tim Ward will make their first-class Tasmanian debut.
Vaughan said that new members of the team have really added to the pre-season at home.
“Tim Ward has moved down from NSW, knuckled down and impressed everyone with his attitude and ability. He’s scored runs in a couple of internal games and he’s earnt the right to stake his claim for selection”.
“It’s also been fantastic to have Peter Siddle around the group this winter. He’s keen to get the new-ball in hand and take his first wicket for Tasmania, and has added a lot to our bowling group.”
Cricket Tasmanian General Manager of High Performance Simon Insley said the management of the squad over the winter has been paramount.
“We are very fortunate that we have a fully fit squad, which is a testament to the hard work the team did physically while in quarantine as well as the diligence of our Coaches, Physio and Strength and Conditioning staff”, said Insley. “It’s meant we have players in Tasmania playing club cricket and putting their hand up to join the group in Adelaide.”
Photo Credit: Twitter profile photo of @SimonRGI
Finding a balance for players over an unusual season has been key, especially for players in the national side.
“There is a lot of cricket to be played in bubbles this summer, meaning a long time away from family all the way to late May when the Australian team head to South Africa. We’ve worked closely with Cricket Australia’s National Teams and the Australian Cricketers Association to put individual plans in place for both Riley Meredith and Matthew Wade, with Wadey spending some time with Julia and the kids before joining us in a few weeks.”
The Tigers fixture in the lead up to Christmas is:
Round 1 – Tasmania v Queensland, 10 October 2020, 11am AEDT, Park 25 – Adelaide
Round 2 – Tasmania v South Australia, 19 October 2020, 11.30am AEDT, Karen Rolton Oval – Adelaide
Round 3 – Tasmania v Victoria, 30 October 2020, 11am AEDT, Park 25 – Adelaide
Round 4 – Tasmania v West Australia, 8 November 2020, 11am AEDT, Park 25 – Adelaide
Matches can be live streamed at cricket.com.au.
