Tasmania give Blignaut their blessing

Tasmania have paved the way for Andy Blignaut to return for Zimbabwe by releasing him from a two-year state contract. While Blignaut re-committed to his homeland on Monday, the Tasmania Cricket Association did not receive formal advice of his decision until today.

"The TCA has always been of the view that it would not stand in the way of any player's aspirations to play international cricket," David Johnston, the TCA chief executive, said. "It appears that Andy's impasse in Zimbabwe has been resolved and he can now work to regain his position in the national team."

Tasmania stopped paying Blignaut when he flew to Zimbabwe before Christmas to resume negotiations with the country's board after he had struggled to break into the first team because of injuries and poor form. Blignaut's arrival in Australia at the start of the summer was delayed by visa troubles and things didn't improve when he landed. He played only one Pura Cup match against Western Australia, bowling 12 overs for 79 and making 9 and 0.