Fresh from signing boom all-rounder Shane Watson, Tasmania has today won the race for another prized signature by securing left handed batsman Michael Di Venuto to a new state contract.

Di Venuto had been the target of an offer from South Australia and had reportedly attracted interest from at least one other state team during the recently-completed Australian season. But, from his base in England - where he is currently playing for county team Derbyshire - the 27 year-old has agreed to a new two-year deal with the Tigers.

Speaking from Hobart, Tasmanian Cricket Association Chief Executive, David Johnston, hailed the decision as a great one for Tasmanian cricket.

"We are extremely pleased that Michael will continue his career with the Cascade Tasmanian Tigers. He is a high profile player whose talent has contributed greatly to the successes of the team throughout the 90s," said Johnston.

"By signing a two year contract Michael will be able to focus on succeeding for Tasmania and his desire to play again for Australia."

After a brilliant underage record, Di Venuto began his first-class career with Tasmania in the 1991-92 season and has become a key member of the state team in subsequent seasons. He has played a total of 80 domestic first-class games for the state, has struck nine centuries and amassed a total of 5525 runs at an average in excess of the forty mark.

Di Venuto's aggressive batting has also been well suited to limited-overs cricket, and it was in that form of the game that he won Australian representation for a total of nine matches in late 1997.

The talented left hander suffered a comparatively lean season with the bat in 2000-01, fuelling speculation in some quarters that he no longer wanted to remain a Tiger. But that conjecture was dispelled today.

Di Venuto's signing represents a great boost for the Tasmanians and should help to add impetus to the momentum that they gained from the late-season charge that lifted them to a third-placed finish in the Pura Cup.

© 2001 CricInfo Ltd