FORMER Queensland batsman Dom Michael admits new squadmates Jordan Silk and Ed Cowan are his inspiration as he looks to use Tasmania to make a name for himself on the first-class cricket scene.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Like those two, the 26-year-old has left to seek greener pastures after failing to establish himself at home.
He meets the Tigers' batting recruit criteria of having the potential to succeed at both at Shield and one- day level, and joins former Victorian Michael Hill in giving the state batting depth to cover the loss of Mark Cosgrove, who returned to South Australia.
"I think having a big preseason will definitely help me, previously I've just come in during the season to play, so playing and training full time will definitely help to see where I'm at and hopefully I'm pushing for selection," said Michael, who has played five Shield and 11 one-day matches for the Bulls since 2013.
"Coming down here was something that was really attractive.
"They're working well with their squad and everyone seems to improve and get better (in Tasmania).
"Playing against them, you can tell they've got a good team morale and to be part of that is an exciting thing."
Happy to bat anywhere in the top six, he said he enjoyed four-day cricket because "you can be very strategic in the four days, and the one-dayers are just fun and exciting".
As well as being able to put all his focus into his cricket, now that he has a state contract will also help, as will learning off internationally experienced batsmen such as Cowan, George Bailey and Alex Doolan.
"I'd like to kick it off with a bang and get things going.
"Any time you get runs, I think it always helps your cause."