Siddle swinging by as Short goes west

SOME state borders might still be closed, but that won’t block the path of several high-profile Australian cricketers finding new homes in coming weeks.

The states can officially sign contracts with cricketers from midnight, but unofficial meetings and offers are on the table and were all but sealed before the clock struck 12.

Veteran Victorian quick Peter Siddle is set to see out his years as a Tasmanian after 14 years of first-class cricket for the Vics, while teammate Chris Tremain is set to return to NSW.

Tasmania was reported to be keen and confident about getting D’Arcy Short from Western Australia, but the talented white-ball cricketer will remain out west while the island state looks for another batsman to fill its roster.

There are indications Tasmania may make a move for Tom Andrews, the left-arm orthodox all-rounder whose selection ahead of Adam Zampa for the Redbacks in the last Sheffield Shield summer was cited as one of the reasons Zampa was not unhappy in South Australia. Zampa is set to move back to his home state NSW and will replace Steve O’Keefe as the frontline spinner on one of the few turning tracks in the land.

The ODI and T20 star is keen to advance his case with the red ball and will get an opportunity when Nathan Lyon is away and possibly even in the same side when the Test spinner is available.

The lot of spinners in Australian first-class cricket has become a debating point as the slow bowlers become increasingly marginalised. Last season no spinner ranked in the top 20 wicket takers in Sheffield Shield.

O’Keefe, who was the leading wicket taker among his peers with 16 from just five matches, launched an impassioned plea for grounds men, coaches and cricket to find a way to bring the slow bowlers into the game.

Shane Warne bought into the argument late last week, calling for some form of quota system to ensure the shield does not turn its back completely on spin bowler.