Gabe Bell is reaping the reward of seizing his moment to shine.
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The former George Town paceman was called up for his first-class debut at the end of last season and hasn’t looked back.
He took 3-63 and 4-97 for Tasmania against South Australia, claiming four of the top five batters and earning a bowling average of 22.85, and has since been upgraded from a rookie to full contract.
New Tigers coach Adam Griffith said it was difficult not to admire Bell’s solitary first-class appearance.
“I was really impressed with what I saw of Gabe on the field and then from day one being down here I’ve been really impressed with his work ethic and what he brings off the field to his training,” he said.
“For me it was a no-brainer to upgrade him to a full contract and reward him not only for that one game but all the work he has done over the years.”
Bell grew up in Launceston, attended Launceston Church Grammar and moved to Hobart after completing Grade 12.
He was selected for an Australian under-19 team in which Griffith was assistant coach and said he was delighted to step up with the Tigers, particularly following the uncertainty surrounding the Cricket Australia Memorandum of Understanding.
“It’s good to be rewarded for a couple of years of solid work and effort and I’m glad to be in the squad again after the MOU dispute,” he said. “It was a bit of a nervous time for players out of contract like I was but it all sorted itself out.”
Bell said his goals were to earn selection for a pre-season tour to Mooloolaba then target the Tigers’ one-day squad.
“I’m looking to take wickets and bowl well, if you get rewarded for that I think it’s a pretty simple game.”