Mathematical chance ... but keeping it quiet

THE Tigers are still a mathematical chance of making the Sheffield Shield final heading into their final match, but coach Adam Griffith says it has not been mentioned in the lead-up.

Tasmania’s final match against NSW starts today at Blundstone Arena, and the fifth-placed Tigers remain a very slim chance of making the final if they win, accrue enough bonus points, and have the result of Western Australia versus Queensland go their way.

“We haven’t talked about that, someone mentioned it to me today, but we had our opportunity last week to really push our case to make the final,” Griffith said. “We’ll just go out there with our focus to win the game, and if an opportunity throughout the game pops up [where] if we play a little bit differently, we can push our case, we will, but winning the game … is the most important thing.”

George Bailey’s shoulder has not recovered from an injury sustained in the Big Bash League in time to put him in contention for the final match.

Bowler Hamish Kingston and allrounder Simon Milenko have been added to the squad which was narrowly defeated by WA last week, while Alex Pyecroft makes way with knee soreness. NSW needs to beat Tasmania to ensure it remains in second place and plays Victoria in the final. Blues captain Peter Nevill will miss the game to attend the birth of his first child. Tigers squad: Matthew Wade (capt), Gabe Bell, Jackson Bird, Alex Doolan, Jake Doran, Hamish Kingston, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Simon Milenko, Tim Paine, Jordan Silk, Charlie Wakim, Sean Willis.