Looking at his stats, it is startling to think Adam Maher has only played 20 first-class matches. With 62 wickets at just 26.91, he boasts one of the better records in the country, yet the 31 year old can’t quite lock down a spot in the lucrative Tasmanian first XI.
In his first notable outing for the Tigers, Maher snared 3/10 from 11 overs as teammate James Faulkner’s 5/5 helped roll South Australia for an embarrassing 55. More embarrassment was to follow, but this time for Tasmania, as they somehow managed to squander the unlosable by 43 runs.
In March 2011, Maher tore through the NSW lower-order to take 5/14 from 9.1 overs. He backed it up with three more wickets in the second to this time ensure a crushing innings victory.
Maher continued his impressive form with a pair of three wicket hauls in Tasmania’s last hit-out before the Shield final.
The tall quick featured in the opening two games of the 2011/12 season, but only returned three wickets, as well as a pair of ducks.
Fortunately for Maher, he returned to some of his best form in 2012/13, taking 10 wickets from his five Shield appearances.
Not the dominant force he once was, Maher relished his role as a change bowler behind a number of up and coming stars.
His best return was 2/16 against the Warriors, which included trapping Mitch Marsh LBW.
Although he didn’t play in the final, Maher was a valuable squad member when called upon. At 31 years of age, he is one of the more senior members of the attack. While the likes of Faulkner and Jackson Bird are away on national duty, his experience could be vital in their quest for back to back Shield titles.
