Steve Cazzulino will be hoping for a fresh start in 2013/14 after playing just one first-class match last season.
He has managed 11 appearances for the Tigers since debuting in 2010 against the Queensland Bulls. His first match is one he will probably never forget; not that it was that memorable. Only 31 overs were bowled in the entire match, with rain wiping out any chance of a result.
The 2011/12 season had started very promisingly for the opening batsman. He developed a solid partnership with fellow opener Ed Cowan, and the pair grabbed the headlines for their incredible unbeaten stand against the Blues in Canberra. The duo added 272 from just 54 overs before declaring. Cazzulino’s 118* remains his only first-class ton.
His good form continued later that year, making 78 and 64 in a Futures match against ACT, before backing it up with a stylish 87 against NSW.
Another half-century against Queensland was followed by a pair of 51’s against Victoria in the Futures League.
Cazzulino continued to build momentum in late 2012, with an impressive 89 against South Australia in the Futures competition.
In his most recent hit out, the promising opener blasted 166 against the Warriors. The brilliant knock was sandwiched in between two ducks, which, coupled with injury and an off-field indiscretion, cost him his spot in the state side.
With Ed Cowan set to feature in the national side, Cazzulino has an excellent opportunity to return to the Tasmanian first XI. He still faces plenty of competition from veteran Mark Cosgrove, as well as youngster Jordan Silk.
