Tasmania drop under-prepared Blignaut

Andy Blignaut, the former Zimbabwe allrounder, has been dropped by Tasmania for their first home game of the season against Victoria at Hobart on Monday. Blignaut has played 15 Tests and 47 one-day internationals but was left out after recording figures of 0 for 79 off 12 overs and 9 & 0 in the nine-wicket loss to Western Australia last month.

Peter Faulkner, the TCA chairman of selectors, said Blignaut was selected too early and was not sufficiently prepared. "He is an essential part of the team and has a huge role to play in our success this season," he said. "We believe he will have a huge impact on the game when he takes to the field."

Adam Griffith has replaced Blignaut while Travis Birt makes way for Michael Bevan, who has recovered from an achilles injury.

Tasmania Daniel Marsh (c), Michael DiVenuto, Michael Bevan, Sean Clingeleffer, Jamie Cox, David Dawson, Michael Dighton, Xavier Doherty, Andrew Downton, Brett Geeves, Adam Griffith, Damien Wright.