Three new players in Tasmanian squad

Three new additions have been made by the Tasmanian selectors to their Tigers squad for next season.

They are, Kelby Pickering, David Dawson and Travis Birt.

Pickering is a 27-year-old fast bowler, who has had first-class experience with the Southern Redbacks in 1997-98 before moving to Tasmania. He has been an excellent performer in recent seasons with the Glenorchy Cricket Club.

David Dawson is a 21-year-old wicket-keeper/batsman from the ACT. In club cricket last season he amassed a creditable 800 runs at an average in excess of 50. He also topped the then ACB Cup aggregate with 552 runs at an average of 50.18. Dawson was a full-time scholar at the AIS Cricket Academy in 2002 and has been offered a Rookie contract for the first time.

Travis Birt at 21 years of age is a powerful left-handed batsman who dominated club cricket last season with Glenorchy and has previously held a Rookie contract with Victoria in 2001-02. He also attended the AIS Cricket Academy in 2001 and is a former Australian Under-19 opening batsman. Birt began his cricket career with Sale in Victoria before moving to Tasmania last season with the sole objective of forcing his way into the Tasmanian team.

Tasmanian coach Brian McFadyen said: "I am very pleased with the addition of all three players to our squad. Both Pickering and Dawson are well known for their determination, work ethic and attitudes. Kelby deserves this opportunity due to superb club and solid ACB Cup performances. David Dawson is well regarded for his all-round skills and he provides excellent balance to our squad along with the other two additions."

"Birt could not have done any more in club cricket last season. He has a powerful game based around his back-foot play and we believe he has a bright future for Tasmania."

The State selection panel have selected a squad of 27 players, comprising both contracted and non-contracted players. The panel has the ability to revise the squad wherever appropriate.

Sixteen senior contracts, and the maximum of five rookie contracts have been offered.

The Tasmanian Cricket Association has the option of offering a further two senior contracts by September 29.

ACB Contracts - Ricky Ponting, Shane Watson.

Senior contracts squad - George Bailey, Sean Clingeleffer, Jamie Cox, Graeme Cunningham, Gerard Denton, Michael Dighton, Michael Di Venuto, Xavier Doherty, Andrew Downton, Brett Geeves, Adam Griffith, Scott Kremerskothen, Daniel Marsh, Scott Mason, Shannon Tubb, Damien Wright.

Rookie contracts - Travis Birt, Luke Butterworth, David Dawson, Ben Hilfenhaus, Tim Paine.

Uncontracted - Chris Bassano, Adam Polkinghorne, Kelby Pickering, Brad Thomas.