Tigers retain star trio

Tasmania has secured the signatures of Australia representatives Tim Paine, Ben Hilfenhaus and Test first-drop Alex Doolan for 2014-15.

Doolan slotted in at No.3 during the successful Test tour of South Africa, making 89 on debut at SuperSport Park in the 2-1 series result.

The elegant right-hander was upgraded to a full Cricket Australia contract in March following his three Tests in the creams of his country, needing the same number of appearances to be upgraded once again.

Identified as a long-term option in the top order, Doolan is set to face Pakistan in Dubai in October before India tour Australia in November, providing enough opportunities to earn an elevation.

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Still ranked inside the top 20 Test bowlers in the world, Hilfenhaus failed to receive a Cricket Australia central contract for the first time since 2007 following his 60-wicket season for the Tigers.

Hilfenhaus has played 27 Tests in the Baggy Green, needing only one wicket to become the 37th Australian to take 100 Test scalps.

Injury and form have sidelined the former bricklayer from the Test arena since Hobart 2012, where he left the field after 12.4 overs with a side injury in Australia’s 137-run victory over Sri Lanka.

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Wicketkeeper Paine, who led Tasmania while George Bailey was on national duties during the summer, last played Test cricket in 2010 on the sub-continent before Test incumbent Brad Haddin regained his place after Paine suffered a broken finger facing Dirk Nannes at training before an exhibition match in Brisbane.

Paine, alongside Australian middle-order batsman Steve Smith, debuted in unique circumstances, representing his country for the first time at the home of cricket Lord’s, but not against England, instead facing Pakistan in the MCC Spirit of Cricket series.

Now fully recovered, Paine played nine of 10 Bupa Sheffiled Shield matches for Tasmania, as well as averaging 40.40 in six RYOBI One-Day Cup matches.

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Earlier, former Test-opener Ed Cowan committed to the Tigers after rumours had him returning to his home state of New South Wales.

“Tasmania is a team and state I have great affection for and love deeply” said Cowan.

“I always wanted to play my cricket in Tasmania next year but I am getting to that age where you do have to take into consideration bigger things like family and life after cricket.”

“I know I still have a lot of good cricket left in me and I’m as hungry as ever to win games of cricket for Tasmania.

“Part of my reason for signing was to ensure the Tigers return to being the best cricket team in Australia. I believe we have the people around, both on and off the field to make that happen.”

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Tasmania has also added 26-year-old Queenslander Dominic Michael to the 2014-15 squad, having played for the Bulls in the RYOBI One-Day Cup and Bupa Sheffield Shield over the past few seasons, and former Victorian batsman Michael Hill.

Tasmania's General Manager of Cricket Andrew Dykes says the former Australia U19 captain will be a valuable addition.

"Michael is a proven top order batsman and has an incredible amount of talent," Dykes said.

"Along with Dom Michael and Hamish Kingston, we feel Hill will strengthen our batting depth as we begin to prepare for next season."

Meanwhile, paceman Adam Maher has not been offered a contract for the 2014-15 season.

"Adam has been an important part of the Tigers for many years and I would like to thanks him for his services to Tasmanian cricket."

SQUAD: George Bailey (CA), Jackson Bird, Luke Butterworth, Ed Cowan, Xavier Doherty, Alex Doolan, Ben Dunk, James Faulkner (CA), Andrew Fekete, Evan Gulbis, Ben Hilfenhaus, Michael Hill, Hamish Kingston, Dominic Michael, Tim Paine, Sam Rainbird, Clive Rose, Jordan Silk, Timm van der Gugten, Jon Wells.