Denton named for Tasmania return

Gerard Denton is likely to make his return to Sheffield Shield cricket with Tasmania after being named in the Tigers' squad for their opening two matches. Tasmania begin their four-day campaign against Queensland at the Gabba on Friday followed by a match against Western Australia at the WACA beginning on October 19.

They have named a 13-man group for both games and it includes the fast bowler Denton, 33. He began his career with Tasmania but spent the past four summers with Victoria before heading back to his home state during the off-season.

Denton has added experience to an already strong fast-bowling line-up and there was no room for Brendan Drew for the opening games. The Tigers are already without Adam Griffith, who had a knee reconstruction during the off-season and will miss the whole summer.

The left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty is in line for his first match in the longer format since 2006-07, with the Tigers' first-choice spinner Jason Krejza on tour with Australia. Tasmania will also need to find a new opening pair following the retirement of one of their most reliable contributors, Michael Di Venuto.

Michael Dighton, who opened with Di Venuto in the early stages of last season before being axed, is one likely candidate to go out first. He could be joined by Travis Birt, the wicketkeeper Tim Paine or Rhett Lockyear, who is a chance for his first matches at first-class level since 2004-05.

Squad Michael Dighton, Rhett Lockyear, Travis Birt, George Bailey, Daniel Marsh (capt), Tim Paine (wk), Luke Butterworth, Mark Divin, Xavier Doherty, Gerard Denton, Brett Geeves, Ben Hilfenhaus, Tim Macdonald.