Tasmania’s newest signing could provide the missing link in Tigers’ push to challenge for Shield glory

Tasmania’s home conditions lend to an all-pace attack, but new addition Tom Andrews — a left-arm orthodox all-rounder — could provide the perfect spin option.

Tom Andrews bowls for South Australia against Queensland. Picture: STEPHEN LAFFER

TASMANIAN recruit Tom Andrews is hoping to use the spin bowling void in the Tigers squad to his advantage as he strives to make an instant impact with his new teammates.

After 20 appearances in Sheffield Shield and one day cricket with South Australia since debuting in 2015, Andrews struggled to cement his spot in the Redbacks line-up.

The 25-year-old jumped at an offer from the Tigers to make the move to Hobart and could provide the missing link in the Shield arena.

Having started his first class career as a spinner — he has best figures of 6-40 — the left arm orthodox tweaker has worked intensively on his batting and last summer registered his first century coming in at No. 7 against Victoria.

South Australian bowler Tom Andrews shows the ball as he leaves the field after taking 6 wickets on day 1 of the Round 9 Sheffield Shield cricket match between Queensland and South Australia at The Gabba. Picture:AAP/DAVE HUNT

However, after featuring in the first four matches of the season, he was unable to break into the side post Christmas.

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With the Tigers rolling out a four-pronged pace battery at Blundstone Arena and relying on some part-time spin from Beau Webster, Andrews could provide an important missing link to balance the attack.

“I’ve really tried to focus on my batting as much as my bowling, so if I could be potentially selected to bat maybe and play as an all-rounder at seven and then if they need a spin bowler later in the game, that’s where I can also do that as well,” Andrews said.

Andrews (centre) reacts with Travis Head (left) and Jake Weatherald (right) after taking a wicket. Picture: AAP/DAVE HUNT

“I know that obviously there’s not much spin at Bellerive so if I can put my hand up to be a batter and if there’s any chance bowl some overs, then yeah, that’s what I’m looking forward to.”

Despite Adam Zampa also making the decision to leave the Redbacks for NSW, Andrews said he felt a change of scenery could reinvigorate his own career.

“I’m really excited to join Tasmania. Looking into the next couple of years, I felt like maybe that would give me a little bit more of an opportunity to progress into my professional cricket career.

“When I heard that [Zampa was moving], it sort of made the decision a little bit harder, but I felt like there was probably a few other things that made me still make the same decision to come to Tasmania.”

Border restrictions across the country due to the COVID-19 crisis will delay Andrews’ arrival in Tasmania, but he is hopeful of not missing too many sessions.