BBL boss backs Ninja Stadium and opens possible return to Launceston

Speaking on Monday, Dobson said the Hurricanes had earned the right to play big games in Hobart including a grand final rematch.

There had been question marks over the capacity leading into last year’s final.

“When we sat down to do this year’s schedule, to bring Dave Warner and the Thunder back down here for some redemption was big on the list.

“Not only the number of people you can get here, but the atmosphere (is incredible).”

While no games have been scheduled for Launceston in the upcoming season, Dobson said a return could eventually be on the cards.

“It’s really important for the Hurricanes and Cricket Tasmania to have the northern part of the state to be connected into the team.

“It’s not for this year but we’ll look at it every year for the Hurricanes and make sure they’re doing everything they can around the state.

Priority pre-sale access to the KFC BBL|15 season is available from 10am on Tuesday.

Star spinner signs new Hurricanes deal

Tasmanian young gun Amy Smith will look to build on last summer’s breakout WBBL campaign after re-signing with Hobart Hurricanes for the next two seasons.

Still just 20, the leg-spinning all-rounder is about to embark on her sixth season with the campaigns after debuting as a 15-year-old.

A stress reaction to her shin forced her to miss the start of last season, but she made up for lost time with nine wickets in eights games at an average of 14.55, and the league’s second best economy rate of 5.24.

Those displays earned her a call-up to the Australia A squad for clashes against England, including 3-13 and 16 not out in a win in the last one-day international.

Cricket Tasmania’s high performance general manager, Salliann Beams, is excited by Smith’s development at a young age.

“Amy is an exciting prospect for us, a homegrown talent who continues to develop and impress with every opportunity,” she said.

“Her bowling in WBBL|10 was a real asset to our team, with her leg-spin not only taking wickets but also managing to keep the run rate down and putting pressure on the opposition.

“The dedication she has to training and focus on improving all aspects of her game shows just how motivated she is, and I know Amy will play a key role in us winning games in WBBL|11 and beyond.”

Smith’s signing means the Hurricanes have now accounted for 12 spots on their 15-player contract list.

She joins Nicola Carey, Heather Graham, Ruth Johnston, Lizelle Lee, Nat Sciver-Brunt (overseas), Hayley Silver-Holmes, Lauren Smith, Linsey Smith (overseas), Molly Strano, Elyse Villani and Danni Wyatt-Hodge (overseas) as Hurricanes players under contract for WBBL|11, with future players to be announced over the coming months.

The Hurricanes begin their campaign against Sydney Thunder in Brisbane on November 9, with the first game in Hobart against Adelaide Strikers on November 18.

Originally published as BBL boss backs Ninja Stadium and opens possible return to Launceston