TASMANIA doubled its number of representatives at this World Cup and state coach Dan Marsh said they can be proud of their involvement.
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State captain George Bailey, spinner Xavier Doherty and player of the final James Faulkner followed the trail blazed by Max Walker, David Boon and Ricky Ponting to help Australia secure a fifth title.
Marsh said with both Michael Di Venuto and Dene Hills also involved in the national set-up, it was a great night for Tasmanian as well as Australian cricket.
‘‘I was really thrilled for the Tassie guys involved,’’ he said. ‘‘George and Xavier, although they didn’t play, were a big part of it.
‘‘It was great to see James have a standout performance. I thought he turned the game. New Zealand were ready to set the game up and Jimmy came on, got a wicket with his first ball and then another and later the key wicket of [Grant] Elliott so had a great game and really deserved the award.
‘‘He’s just a great competitor who wants to be out there, wants the ball when it’s tough and the bat when it’s tough and that brings the best out of him.’’
With Australian contracts due to be announced today, Marsh felt Faulkner would not be out of place in the Test side while Bailey deserved to reclaim his spot following the retirement of captain Michael Clarke.
Aside from his player-of-the-match award in the final, Faulkner made a massive contribution after missing the first couple of matches with a side strain.
He was Australia’s third highest wicket-taker with 10 at 19.70 from just six matches, produced the third highest number of maidens, fourth best economy and also added 44 runs from four innings at 14.66 which included a couple of sixes.
Despite only playing one game, Bailey finished with Australia’s third-best average with his 55, which was pivotal to securing victory in the tournament opener against England at the MCG, coming at a strike-rate of 79.71.
He described the tournament as ‘‘unreal’’ and ‘‘as special as it gets’’.
‘‘To play in front of a crowd like that must have been absolutely phenomenal. For the guys to put on such a wonderful performance, that’s one of the best feelings I’ve ever had.
‘‘It’s been phenomenal to be in the best seat in the house. The players have been outstanding and it’s been an absolute privilege.’’
Thirteen years after being a member of Australia’s under-19 World Cup win, Doherty was also limited to one appearance, going wicket-less from seven overs against Sri Lanka although Clarke dropped a chance off his bowling.