Tasmania’s cricket team has undergone a significant overhaul, with the signing of Test spinner Matthew Kuhnemann and Under-19 World Cup winner Raf MacMillan. The recruitment drive has resulted in the omission of Paddy Dooley from the Tigers’ contract list.
Dooley, who joined Tasmania from Queensland last season, played seven Marsh Cup games and claimed nine wickets. However, the arrival of Kuhnemann, who has represented Australia in Tests and ODIs, has made Dooley expendable.
MacMillan, a 19-year-old off-spinner, impressed in the Under-19 World Cup, taking wickets in every game and contributing with the bat. He joins Tasmania from New South Wales.
The Tigers have also signed young fast bowler Will Prestwidge from Queensland. Prestwidge made his List A debut last season and showed promise with both bat and ball.
Tasmania coach Jeff Vaughan expressed satisfaction with the new recruits, stating that they will help the team improve upon last season’s Sheffield Shield final loss.
“We took a massive step forward as a program last year with some big changes to our squad,” Vaughan said. “We are confident the quality of players we are bringing into our squad will help us go to the next level.”
Tasmania’s contract list for the 2024-25 season includes:
* Gabe Bell
* Iain Carlisle
* Nick Davis (rookie)
* Jake Doran
* Kieran Elliot
* Jarrod Freeman
* Bradley Hope
* Caleb Jewell
* Matt Kuhnemann
* Raf MacMillan (rookie)
* Riley Meredith
* Lawrence Neil-Smith
* Aidan O’Connor (rookie)
* Mitch Owen
* Will Prestwidge
* Nivethan Radhakrishnan (rookie)
* Jordan Silk
* Billy Stanlake
* Charlie Wakim
* Tim Ward
* Jake Weatherald
* Beau Webster
* Mac Wright
