Century-maker Brad Hope says Tigers hunting for payback in Sheffield Shield grand final rematch against Warriors

Tasmanian all-rounder Brad Hope says the Tigers on the hunt for revenge in Sheffield Shield final rematch against WA.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 19: Brad Hope of the Tigers bats during the Sheffield Shield match between Tasmania and New South Wales at Blundstone Arena, on November 19, 2023, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

It was the “perfect” start to the season for century-making Tasmanian all-rounder Brad Hope and he hopes for more top-shelf form to help the Tigers get revenge in their Sheffield Shield final rematch against Western Australia in Perth starting on Sunday.

Hope, 25, hit a confidence-boosting 111, including 11 boundaries, in the first innings of Tasmania’s draw with Victoria in Melbourne last week.

It was his second career century after his ton against NSW last summer.

“It was a bit of a relief to get the second one,” Hope said.

“Everyone always says the second one is the hardest one to get, so I’m pretty grateful to get it out of the way so soon.”

HOBART, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 19: Brad Hope of the Tigers bats during the Sheffield Shield match between Tasmania and New South Wales at Blundstone Arena, on November 19, 2023, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

The Tigers piled on 9-527 in their first dig against the Vics, with Beau Webster (113) also scoring a century and Jordan Silk (84) also among the runs.

“It was a pretty uneventful game in the end but it’s always nice to contribute to the team,” Hope said.

“It was a pretty perfect start to the season for me.”

The Victorian deck did not have much in it for the bowlers, including Hope.

He took 1-20 off 10 overs in the Bushrangers’ first innings and two overs for two maidens in the second.

“It was tough work for the bowlers but it was pretty nice to bat on so I won’t complain about that,” Hope said.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 08: Brad Hope of Tasmania bowls during the Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and Tasmania at CitiPower Centre, on October 08, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Hope sees himself as a batting all-rounder.

“The more I can do both it only helps the team and my chances of staying in the team and helping the team win,” he said.

“I definitely prefer batting _ it’s easier on the body _ but it’s always nice to have bowling as a back-up.”

The Tigers will spend the week at home preparing for the challenge of playing the Warriors in the west.

“We’ve played them a lot over the past three seasons so if we can keep doing what we did last year _ I think we played well over there _ hopefully we can reverse the result of the final and get a bit of revenge in some sort of way,” he said.

Webster picked up where he left off last season, particularly with the bat.

“He certainly makes my job a lot easier, coming in behind him and a bit later when the when the ball is a bit older,” Hope said.

“Hopefully, I can keep doing what he can do, taking wickets and making runs.

“It’s always good to have someone like him in your team that you can rely on.”