Tasmanian Tigers land big name recruits in much-needed boost

Tasmania has brought international experience into its squad with the inclusion of two Australian representative players.

(L-R) Tigers recruit Samantha Bates, Hurricanes recruit, Nicola Carey. Picture: MATT THOMPSON.

TASMANIA has brought international experience into its squad with the inclusion of two Australian representative players.

Cricket Tasmania has released the Tasmanian Tigers women’s squad for 2019-20 and New South Wales pair Nicola Carey, who has six ODI caps for Australia, and Belinda Vakarewa, who has one Australian ODI cap, are two of five recruits.

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Joining them are left-arm orthodox bowler Samantha Bates, leg-spinner Maisey Gibson and the return of wicketkeeper Emily Smith from Western Australia.

Carey, who has also signed with the Hobart Hurricanes from the Sydney Thunder, said she has made the move to develop her game by playing a larger role in a team, which will hopefully help her get back into the Australian side.

Tigers coach Salliann Briggs. Picture: MATT THOMPSON.

“I’ve heard some really good things about this program and I also have some friends down here that are talking highly of Sal [Tigers coach Salliann Briggs] and the set-up down here,” Carey said.

“Personally I was looking for a fresh start and a new opportunity and I thought this set-up was the best for me.”

Bates has made the move to Tasmania from the ACT, and she is also looking forward to working in the Tigers’ improving environment.

“We saw at the beginning of last season they [the Tigers] were on top of the ladder for a very long time,” Bates said.

Samantha Bates. Picture: MATT THOMPSON.

“To jump from bottom to top in one season is something special and that’s the reason I came here.”