Tasmania to rest ace Butterworth

Cricket Sheffield Shield star Luke Butterworth in action for the Tasmanian Tigers. Source: The Mercury

 It's a calculated gamble for the Tigers, who will definitely take part in next week's Shield final, but need just first innings points to confirm it will be played at home.

The Tigers head into Thursday's clash in rare form, having defeated Western Australia by an innings and 129 runs, and NSW by an innings and 70 runs.

Butterworth, who has 43 wickets at 15.04 this season, has been a major part of Tasmania's success.

But with a considerable workload under his belt, selectors decided to leave the all-rounder in Hobart.

Chairman of Selectors Michael Farrell said veteran quick Adam Griffith would be Butterworth's replacement.

"Luke has some minor niggles and we are taking the opportunity to rest him from this game to ensure he is 100 per cent fit for the Sheffield Shield final," Farrell said.

Suoth Australia is yet to name its team.

Tasmania: George Bailey (capt) Travis Birt, Mark Cosgrove, Ed Cowan, Xavier Doherty, Alex Doolan, Brendan Drew, James Faulkner, Adam Griffith, Ben Hilfenhaus, Nick Kruger, Adam Maher, Tom Triffitt (12th man to be named).