After a terrific 2005-06 that earned him Australia A selection, Travis Birt had a consistent if unexceptional season last summer. His form was far from poor - his 736 Pura Cup runs at 38.73 put him second on the Tigers' list - but his lack of centuries was disappointing. He passed fifty on seven occasions but only once went on to triple-figures, when he made 102 in a win over South Australia. His limited-overs efforts were below-par - 201 runs at 22.33 - but the season ended on a high, when he was part of Tasmania's first Pura Cup-winning side. The previous year only Darren Lehmann and Jimmy Maher had made more Pura Cup runs than Birt's 850 at 50 as he turned potential into sustained performance. 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 comfortable at the next level. 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 again headed to Derbyshire in 2007 to work further on his game.
Cricinfo staff July 2007

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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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