Bailey ready for Tigers to be hunted

Australia's next generation of players are about to audition for international spots and a small group of contenders took a step into the spotlight on a Brisbane catwalk to signal the start of the domestic season on Wednesday. In a bid to make the domestic game more fashionable, seven players were on parade in steamy conditions before the opening FR Cup match at the Gabba.

George Bailey, who is more comfortable as a batsman at Tasmania, has noticed a change in expectation since the Tigers won the Pura Cup for the first time in March. "It will be a little bit different for us as we'll be the team everyone's hunting for rather than being the hunters ourselves," he said. "It's a challenge we're really ready for and will be out to prove that we're not one-hit wonders."

Tasmania begin their domestic campaign with a one-day game in Brisbane on Wednesday followed by the corresponding Pura Cup contest against Queensland on Friday. Western Australia's opening fixture is in Perth on Friday, when the openers Chris Rogers and Phil Jaques will continue their battle to replace Justin Langer in the Test team.

Rogers said the Warriors had under-achieved in previous seasons and they would be disappointed if they were not contenders in 2007-08. "Luke Pomersbach is one to watch," Rogers said. "He just came into the side last year and I'm excited to see how he goes.

"The bowlers are key for us, Brett Dorey, Ben Edmondson and Steve Magoffin, and if we can get a lively WACA we can destroy a few sides." Kirsten Pike, the Australia women's bowler, was also involved in the event and her team, the Queensland Fire, will be part of the Women's National Cricket League that begins on November 17.