Young Tasmanian selected in the Shooting Stars squad

Young Tasmanian Veronica Pyke has been selected in the Australian female youth squad from which the Commonwealth Bank Shooting Stars Team to tour New Zealand in February 2003 will be selected on January 19.

If selected Pyke will be the first Tasmanian woman to be selected for an Australian team since Kim Fazackerly played against England in 1991/92.

Veronica 21 years of age is a Left Arm Medium Pace bowler who was identified by the TCA Game Development Department coach, Richard Allanby. Pyke lives in Orford and plays in the Orford 1st Grade team, which competes in the Oatlands District competition.

Pyke has represented Tasmania previously at an Under 19 level in 2000, 2001 and 2002. Her selection in this squad is a fantastic boost for women's cricket in Tasmania as it grows under the wing of the TCA's Game Development Department.

Upon her selection Veronica said from Canberra where she is training; "It is extremely exciting, a great opportunity and it will be a great experience." The Shooting Stars will play four limited overs matches against New Zealand "A" in February next year.