After a terrific 2005-06 that earned him Australia A selection, Travis Birt has produced a couple of consistent if unexceptional seasons for Tasmania. His main problem has been an inability to turn starts into first-class centuries. In 2006-07 he was part of the Tigers' triumphant Pura Cup side and made a thoroughly respectable 736 runs at 38.73 with one hundred, and the next season he collected 565 runs at 31.38 without once reaching triple-figures. Still, he was one of five men to play every Pura Cup game for the state last summer and with the retirement of Michael Di Venuto his importance in the top order will grow. He is already a key man in the one-day setup and his calm batting in the low-scoring FR Cup final last season won the title for Tasmania. Birt top scored against Victoria with an unbeaten 37 and coolly struck the winning runs with the No. 11 Ben Hilfenhaus at the other end, to complete a strong season that brought him 355 runs at 44.37.

A heavy-hitting left-hander who enjoys blasting sixes, Birt secured a reputation for brutal strokeplay when he posted 145 against South Australia in 2004-05, the highest score in Tasmania's one-day history. He made his first-class debut in the same season but had to wait until the following year to feel at ease at the next level. Opposition bowlers didn't feel comfortable as only Darren Lehmann and Jimmy Maher made more Pura Cup runs than Birt's 850 at 50. New South Wales felt his impact during an innings of 160, which included seven sixes and 19 fours, and he also shared a state-record partnership of 292 for the fourth wicket with George Bailey when making 140 against South Australia. A former Academy and Australia Under-19 player who relocated from country Victoria, Birt has spent time playing with Derbyshire but did not return there in 2008 and instead had hip surgery during the off-season.
Cricinfo staff September 2008

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Feb 23, 2008 Travis Birt guided Tasmania to a tense one-wicket win in the FR Cup final © Getty Images

Jan 10, 2008 Travis Birt prepares to play a short ball © Getty Images

Sep 10, 2007 Travis Birt on his way to 47 © Getty Images

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