Doolan steps up for Tigers

Cricket Tasmania have today announced a new look leadership group for the 2014-15 season with wicketkeeper Tim Paine stepping down as vice-captain.

Australia Test batsman Alex Doolan will join captain George Bailey and deputy vice-captain Xavier Doherty as a leader of the Tigers squad.

Long considered Australia’s next long-term wicketkeeper, Paine made the decision to step aside at the end of last summer to place more emphasis on his own performance.

“I didn’t have the season I would have liked with the bat and as a result I made the decision to step aside and let somebody else take the reins," said Paine.

“I’ve given as much as I can to the role and it will be good to have someone with different ideas to lead the team.”

Paine only has the one first-class century and that came way back in 2006 against Western Australia.

How long Brad Haddin can stay the preferred option as the No.1 gloveman in the country remains to be seen, but competition to replace him is high according to new chairman of selectors Rod Marsh.

“All six (state) keepers are all worthy Test match keepers in my opinion,” Marsh stated last week.

Today’s announcement will come as welcome news to 28-year-old Doolan after missing out on the CA contract list in March, despite featuring in all three Tests of Australia’s triumph in South Africa earlier this year.

“I’m really looking forward to working more closely with George and Xavier as well as our coaching staff” said Doolan.

“I’m excited to also possibly have the opportunity to lead the Tigers when George is off representing Australia.”

“We have a fantastic group of talented players and I have no doubt we can continue to challenge for one-day and first-class titles next season and into the future.”

Tasmania finished fifth on the Bupa Sheffield Shield table last season, just one year after Ricky Ponting led the side to the title against Queensland.