Fast bowler Gerard Denton has been recalled to Tasmania's Pura Cup line-up today, replacing left arm spinner Xavier Doherty in the Tigers' 12-man squad. State selectors made the change ahead of the vital clash against New South Wales that begins at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Wednesday.

Denton, 26, has been cruelly afflicted by injuries over recent years and has not played at first-class level since succumbing to a serious back complaint 15 months ago. He returned to the state's senior team for a limited-overs match against New South Wales last month but has not played at Pura Cup level since an appearance against Western Australia in November 2000.

Tasmania is almost certain to reach only the third first-class final in its history if it claims an outright victory over New South Wales. It could even host the decider if Queensland takes no points from its match against Victoria in Brisbane.

The squad is: Jamie Cox (c), Scott Mason, Michael Dighton, Michael Di Venuto, Daniel Marsh, Scott Kremerskothen, Sean Clingeleffer, Damien Wright, Shannon Tubb, David Saker, Shane Jurgensen, Gerard Denton (12th man to be named).

© 2002 CricInfo Ltd