Tasmania’s pace stocks take a hit ahead of trip west with three frontline quicks unavailable

Western Australia’s border restrictions have forced Tasmania to overlook a bowler for the second time this season as the Tigers prepare for their last matches of the summer

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TASMANIA will head west with a spot in the Marsh Cup final still on the table, but will need to defeat Western Australia without the services of three front line quicks.

The Tigers remain in the hunt for the 50-over final, requiring a bonus point victory against the Warriors next Thursday to set up a showdown with NSW.

However the pace stocks have been depleted with Nathan Ellis injured and the unavailability of Riley Meredith (IPL) and Peter Siddle (COVID-19 related).

Peter Siddle could not be considered for selection for Tasmania’s trip to Western Australia after spending last week on the Gold Coast. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

Siddle was unable to join the squad after spending time on the Gold Coast last week, and while did not spend any time in the Greater Brisbane or Moreton Bay areas, Western Australia’s border restrictions mean he is not permitted to enter the state.

It is the second time the Tigers have been impacted by WA’s strict stance, with Meredith forced to miss a match against Victoria last month after making his international Twenty20 debut in New Zealand.

Riley Meredith has left for his first stint in the IPL. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

“He wasn’t anywhere near the hot spots of Brisbane but with the WA border restrictions he’s unable to travel with us, which is very disappointing,” head coach Jeff Vaughan said of the Siddle situation.

“A bonus point should get us in [to the one day final], Western Australia are in the same boat, so it makes for a pretty interesting one day game next Thursday.

“Obviously it’ll be about the team that we select to give ourselves the best chance of either forcing a big enough score to defend, or chase down whatever WA put on the board, we’ll have to chase down inside 40 overs.”

The Tigers first have a Sheffield Shield clash against the Warriors starting on Saturday, and while they are not in the running for the Shield final, Vaughan said there is plenty on the line.

University CTPL grand final hero Tim Ward has been added to the squad on the back of his unbeaten 181 against North Hobart, while Demon Alex Pyecroft and Clarence’s Lawrence Neil-Smith have been added to the 13-man travelling party.

Ben McDermott (hamstring) will also fly with the team and while not ready for the first-class fixture, is in line to play the one day match.

“It’s still a first class game of cricket … we only get 10 opportunities every year,” Vaughan said.

“We’ve played some good cricket at the WACA over the last few years, we’ve had some success with the bat, a few guys have made some big scores.

“We want to win another game of first class cricket for Tasmania.”

Jarrod Freeman of the Tigers celebrates a wicket during day three of the Sheffield Shield match between Tasmania and New South Wales at Blundstone Arena on March 22, 2021 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

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