TWO members of Australia’s coaching staff who both know what they are doing with the bat have been confirmed as the marquee players for grand final night of the Aussie 15s on Wednesday, December 16.
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Batsmen Greg Blewett and Michael Di Venuto were on Monday confirmed by competition director Tim Coyle as special guests for the tournament decider at Launceston’s Aurora Stadium.
Blewett is in charge of fielding for the national team, while Tasmanian great Di Venuto mentors the batsmen.
It won’t be the first time that 44-year-old Blewett has graced Aurora’s drop-in wicket.
The 46 Test and 32 ODI player blasted 59 in the Ricky Ponting Tribute match at the top of the order in 2014.
Di Venuto, who played nine ODIs in 1997, was a stalwart for Tasmania, scoring 9974 Sheffield Shield and 2891 one-day runs for the Tigers.
Coyle said both would supply a level of excitement to the final of the third instalment of modified-rules game.
On Wednesday, former Tasmanian fast bowler and hard-hitting lower order batsman Brendan Drew will line up for the Alchemy All Stars, as well as former Victorian quick Jayde Herrick.
Drew took 1-20 from three overs and made 16 in quick time in his appearance last year for the All Stars.
This week will see the Sporties Legends take on the Oak Royals at 5.45pm, before the Alchemy All Stars v Cock and Bull Crusaders at 7.45pm.
‘‘The cricket has been great this year and the wickets have played quite well,’’ Coyle said.
‘‘The standard around the games have been fantastic with plenty of runs scored and we have been able to attract players from all over the state.’’
The competition will have a week off next week to ensure the ground is in the best possible shape for the Hobart Hurricanes’ Women’s Big Bash League visit from December 11-13.
