‘Blessing in disguise’ the linchpin behind Tim Ward’s strong return to Tasmanian Tigers line-up

While he admits missing Tasmania’s start to the Sheffield Shield season came with ‘a mix of emotions’, a reflective Tim Ward admits he can now look back with a positive mindset. Here’s why.

Tasmanian batter Tim Ward has averaged 77 runs since making his return to the line-up. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

While being on the outer of the starting XI to begin a season is never ideal, Tasmanian Tigers batter Tim Ward now sees it as a blessing in disguise.

The former opener turned in-form number three has made a stellar return to the Tigers outfit since missing the opening three games of the Sheffield Shield season.

A 51-run showing on return against Queensland was followed by a matchwinning pair of 92 and 96 run stands against New South Wales.

Then came a stellar 142 off 288 last week against South Australia that dragged Tasmania into a winnable position before disaster struck.

It’s been a strong response from the 26 year-old who had made the opening spot alongside Caleb Jewell his own since making the move from NSW on a rookie-contract in 2020.

But with veteran Jake Weatherald performing just as well as an opener since replacing Ward, the boy from Wahroonga in Sydney’s Upper North Shore says both the role change and early omission from the side can now be seen as a positive.

Ward has returned to the Tasmanian starting XI as a number three batter, a change from his role as an opener. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

“It’s very nice to be back in and contributing straight away,” Ward said.

“It’s always tough when you miss out, but all in all it was a good thing for me.

“I felt like I was playing good cricket coming into the season but missing out also gave me the chance to come in with no pressure and not feel like I was fighting for my spot coming into the season.

“I think if I got picked for that first game, I probably would have felt like someone was right behind me wanting my spot (given our batting depth).

“It’s hard at the time because you are thinking when’s my next opportunity coming and if someone else steps up in second XI and starts scoring runs, you’re not the next cab off the rank.

“So initially I was fighting a few different emotions but reflecting on it now, it was definitely a blessing in disguise.

“I’m feeling comfortable batting at number three. I think I batted at three in an Australia A game once or twice, so it’s not completely foreign too me.

“Best case scenario you are able to put your feet up for a while and come in after the openers have made a good start but if not, I’m used to opening, so I think it suits me.”

Ward added his early demotion had allowed him to work on a number of technical changes to his game, with both his decision making and head position when facing balls two major areas he felt had improved from more time in the nets.

With the domestic competition now on a BBL-enforced break, Ward will have to wait until the New Year to continue making runs with Tasmania’s season to resume against Victoria on February 8 at Bellerive Oval.