The Women's Big Bash League has thanked the Tasmanian Government for allowing the competition to continue behind closed doors this weekend.
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With Tasmania set to host the first 24 matches of the competition, Sydney Sixers won the rain-affected tournament opener against Melbourne Stars on Thursday before Friday's Southern Tasmanian lockdown threw the league into disarray.
However, Cricket Australia confirmed that all four matches scheduled for this weekend at Bellerive Oval would proceed without crowds and under strict biosecurity protocols.
The league thanked the Tasmanian Government for its support, including the endorsement of a plan to safely conduct matches this weekend.
It added that all players, staff and match officials in the state have received COVID-19 vaccinations and negative test results.
BBL general manager Alistair Dobson said the league was "incredibly thankful" to the Tasmanian Government for allowing it to proceed.
"We'd also like to express our gratitude to players and staff from all clubs, plus match officials, broadcast partners and venue staff for their understanding as we worked through the final details with the Tasmanian Government," he said.
"The experience gained from last summer means all involved in the WBBL are well prepared to do whatever necessary to conduct a safe and successful competition this year."
Saturday saw the Hobart Hurricanes begin their campaign against Melbourne Renegades before Sydney Thunder took on Adelaide Strikers.
Sunday's games begin with Perth Scorchers versus Brisbane Heat, at 10.15am followed by Hobart Hurricanes against the Sydney Sixers at 1.40pm.
Safety Shield
Jake Doran returns from injury as the Tasmanian Tigers seek to improve on an excellent week in the west.
Leaving their home state just before it went into lockdown, the Tigers enjoyed a perfect start to the one-day competition with Friday's four-wicket win over Western Australia.
The team hope to take that momentum into the Sheffield Shield campaign against the same state at the WACA Ground in Perth.
Although Doran returns, the Tigers remain without Jackson Bird and Tim Paine due to injury while Nathan Ellis and Matthew Wade are on T20 World Cup duties.
The match begins at 1.30pm (AEDT) on Sunday.
- Tigers squad: Gabe Bell, Jake Doran, Jarrod Freeman, Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott, Lawrence Neil-Smith, Sam Rainbird, Peter Siddle, Jordan Silk, Charlie Wakim, Tim Ward, Beau Webster (c), Mac Wright
- REPORTS: Pages 46-47
Rob Shaw
Heralding the impact of Tasmanian sport without saying "punching above its weight" is not as easy as it sounds.
Heralding the impact of Tasmanian sport without saying "punching above its weight" is not as easy as it sounds.
