Home-grown products Alex Doolan and Gabe Bell plus high-profile import Gurinder Sandhu were the major omissions in the Tasmanian Tigers’ first squad of the season.
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Head coach Adam Griffith admitted there were some tough decisions in finalising a 14-man squad for the first two matches of its one-day cup campaign beginning against Victoria on Wednesday in the unlikely destination of Townsville.
“It was a very hard selection to get this down to a 14-man squad,” Griffith said.
“We have had an excellent pre-season with every Tigers squad member being fit and available for selection, as well as plenty of individual improvements throughout the last four to five months.
"As is always the case there have been some very unlucky players to miss, but there is a great sign for the program that we have to make these tough decisions.”
Former Launceston all-rounder James Faulkner will take his place in the squad upon finishing his campaign with Lancashire in the T20 Blast in England.
While Bell (George Town), Doolan (Launceston), Sandhu and Sam Rainbird were among the full contracted players to miss out, the squad includes rookie quick Aaron Summers and uncontracted off-spinner Clive Rose.
Griffith said both selections are testament to hard work.
“(Summers) undoubtedly has pace, however, we are looking to develop well-rounded cricketers who don't rely on being one dimensional. We are looking forward to seeing what he can produce this season.
“(Rose) has been brilliant this pre-season. His commitment to the program as a non-contracted player is a great lesson and example to all Tasmanian cricketers that you can force your way into the squad on hard work and performance.
“He is bowling as well as I have ever seen him which is very exciting, and we are looking for him to have a very good tournament.”