Never had the grind of a routine early-morning drive to Hobart been greeted so keenly than on Saturday.
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The opportunity to walk out to meet Australian Test captain Tim Paine overrided his influence on inflicting a possible fifth defeat in six appearances to newcomers Greater Northern Raiders.
But the team bus only got as far as a Campbell Town bakery stop before turning back around for Launceston after the clash with Paine’s University side was called off.
“The good thing for us is we’re unsure whether or not he will be available,” Raiders coach Andrew Gower said.
“The Shield game goes from Tuesday to Friday, so if he doesn’t have to be in Australian camp hopefully he will front up next Saturday.”
Persistent showers in the morning washed out three of Cricket Tasmania Premier League’s matches. The fourth at New Town was abandoned hours later to ensure next week’s switch from two-day cricket to 50-over games.
Gower has predicted after not one ball was bowled on Saturday there would be further changes in selection.
“I’ll need to read the by-laws, but I believe I can select a new side because we didn’t get away today,” he said.
“The side will be determined on us playing 50-over cricket rather than 96 overs.”
That could not only include Paine, but also James Faulkner, who was pulled out of Uni’s side for Hobart Hurricanes’ preseason fixtures.
But Gower believed the Raiders could also be at full strength for a fresh challenge.
“The good thing we know from our point of view is that Alistair Taylor is going to be available,” he said. “He’s an automatic inclusion – he’s a part of the leadership squad.
“Other than that, we’ll look at Brady Yates from Burnie because they’ll have the bye.
“There could be two or three changes actually.”
Taylor made a surprise return for Launceston after he was struck on the helmet for Raiders from a stray edge keeping up to the stumps.
The Lions captain-coach rescued his side in trouble and notched up 49 not out in his best shape for a fortnight since the nasty incident.
“For him to get a hit today for Launceston in the end is invaluable – and to just to get a bit of confidence back as well,” Gower said.
Andrew Mathieson
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
