David Dawson began his Pura Cup career in record-breaking fashion when he became the first Australian to score a century and carry his bat on first-class debut. Starting with 123 against Western Australia, Dawson had to work much harder for the rest of his haul of 476 runs at 28 in 2004-05, and a strike-rate in the 30s was a worry. A small batsman best-suited to opening, he collected 467 at 29 in his second season, including an unbeaten 144 that earned Tasmania a hard-fought draw against South Australia. With his batting method more suited to the longer game, he has played only a handful of one-day matches, but will not become a regular until he is capable of rotating the strike easily. Despite a woeful return to the Pura Cup side in 2007-08 - he made 1 and three ducks - he retained his state contract for the following season. Dawson, who grew up in the ACT, attended the Academy in 2002 and 2005, when he went on the India and Sri Lanka tour. A part-time wicketkeeper, he also played for the Prime Minister's XI in 2002.
Cricinfo staff September 2008