Brendan Drew

After proving himself as a first-class player in 2006-07 but failing to hold down a one-day spot, Brendan Drew reversed the trend in 2007-08. He played every one-day match, was one of three Tigers who finished equal first on the FR Cup wicket tally with 15, was part of the side that won the tense final over Victoria and collected 5 for 36 in the tour match against the Sri Lankans. His consistency earned him a place in the ACA All-Star FR Cup team and his aim for 2008-09 will be to regain his spot in Tasmania's first-class side after a disappointing return of six wickets from three games. That followed a summer when he played every match in the state's Pura Cup campaign only to be relegated to 12th man for the final victory against New South Wales. The more experienced Adam Griffith returned from injury and Drew had to settle for 26 wickets at 41.23 and second place on Tasmania's tally for 2006-07.

A right-arm fast-medium bowler with a run-up and action clearly styled on Glenn McGrath, Drew is being monitored by the Australian selectors who invited him to the Academy in 2007 and named him in Australia's 30-man preliminary squad for the Twenty20 World Championship. His two best efforts for Tasmania came in consecutive matches in Hobart in mid 2006-07. Against Western Australia, he claimed 6 for 94 and together with Ben Hilfenhaus almost rescued the Tigers after they were dismissed for 94, and he collected 5 for 30 in a comfortable win over Queensland. Drew moved south from Sydney during 2005-06 and in his first season with Tasmania he compiled 20 wickets at 31.6 from six Pura Cup matches.
Brydon Coverdale September 2008