Tasmania launch cricket season with new coach, young team

HOBART - Tasmania will open its 2002-03 domestic cricket season with a new coach, a renovated home ground and the youngest team in the competition.

Former Test great and current marketing manager at the Tasmanian Cricket Association David Boon said Brian McFadyen, previously Victoria's assistant coach, would coach the state side this season.

The average age of the squad is 24, making it the youngest in the competition.

Ricky Ponting remains captain, although vice-captain Jamie Cox is often required to lead while Ponting fulfils his duties for Australia.

Tasmania came second in the Pura cup competition last, only the third time in the past 20 years it has reached the finals.

"It's a young side overall so that holds well for the future and they're just really looking forward to the season - it's going to be a big one," Boon said.

Tasmania launched its 2002-03 season at the renovated Bellerive Oval in Hobart which features a new northern stand and a video replay board accessible to almost everyone at the ground.

It will be officially reopened on January 11 when Australia plays England in a one-day international.

Other highlights of the season include a November fixture between Australia and England and the introduction of a twilight hours ING Cup game in January, starting at midday and finishing at 7.45pm

On November 14 Allan Border will open a "field of fame" of Tasmanian crickets legends, including Boon, at Bellerive Oval.

Tasmania's first game of the season is an ING Cup match against Queensland in Brisbane on October 27.