Travis Birt and David Dawson given full contracts

The Tasmanian Cricket Association has announced 20 players who have been awarded first-round contracts for the 2005-06 season. Travis Birt and David Dawson have been given full contracts after being upgraded from rookie status during the 2004-05 season. Dane Anderson, Jason Shelton and Ben Hilfenhaus are the three new players who have been awarded rookie contracts.

While making the announcement, Peter Faulkner, the chairman of selectors, said the TCA was looking to build on the success of last season in the ING Cup and develop the young players in the squad. "It is gratifying to see that two of last year's rookies have progressed to senior contracts this season," said Faulkner, "and the wealth of young talent in Tasmania has been recognised in awarding rookie contracts to four local players."

The second round of the contract process will be completed within the next two weeks. Under the Cricket Australia Memorandum of Understanding each state must have a minimum of 16 senior and 4 rookie contracts in place by 11 July 2005.

Senior Contracted Members
George Bailey, Travis Birt, Michael Bevan, Luke Butterworth, Sean Clingeleffer, Jamie Cox, David Dawson, Michael Dighton, Michael Di Venuto, Xavier Doherty, Andrew Downton, Brett Geeves, Adam Griffith, Dan Marsh, Damien Wright, Ricky Ponting (CA)

Rookie Contracted Members
Dane Anderson, Ben Hilfenhaus, Tim Paine, Jason Shelton