Matthew Wade's anticipated return to Tasmania will not squeeze out wicketkeeper Tim Paine from the state's cricket line-up, as management considers a reshuffle of players.
Australian gloveman Wade has indicated he will leave Victoria and head to his hometown of Hobart ahead of the 2017-18 domestic season but is unlikely to be available for first-class duty if his national selection continues.
Paine, who made a return to the XI late in the Tigers' dismal Sheffield Shield season, is one of many out of contract players for the island state but Cricket Tasmania spokesman Andrew Dykes said the 32-year-old remains a valued squad member.
"Tim Paine is a required player," Dykes told reporters on Wednesday when speaking of the 2017-18 season.
"His Matador Cup - one-day - form has been very strong again and he finished off the season well with the Tigers' Shield team.
"He didn't get the score I know he was after but his keeping, his leadership and his batting showed good signs for the future."
Batting at No.7 Paine posted scores of 44 and 26 and took nine catches across two innings during Tassie's 193-run home loss against South Australia at the weekend, which saw the Tigers finish a distant last in the competition.
The season included the sacking of senior coach Dan Marsh in February, amid consistent poor form, and Dykes indicated there will also be players whose contracts are not renewed.
"We've been meeting with those players to outline our plan for them but because the (Cricket Australia) memorandum of understanding is still unresolved it's very difficult to give definitive answers on contract offers at this point," Dykes said.
"Last season there were eight new players added to our squad, I don't see there being that many this season - there might be two or three new players."
Wade's arrival and Xavier Doherty's retirement are two certainties.
Former Test batsman Alex Doolan will be under pressure to keep his spot.
With the exception of a stunning 202-run knock in November, the opener's form was lacklustre across the summer.
"He's fully aware that going forward, we need more out of his cricket, being one of those senior players," Dykes said, adding that Doolan's contract is part of ongoing negotiations.
OUT-OF-CONTRACT CRICKET TASMANIA PLAYERS
Dom Michael
Tim Paine
Alex Doolan
Andrew Fekete
Hamish Kingston
Jordan Silk
Cameron Wheatley
Ryan Lees
Gabe Bell
Riley Meredith
Share
