In their pink-ball Sheffield Shield clash at Bellerive Oval, Tasmania scored 309 for 7 on the opening day, anchored by Jordan Silk’s unbeaten 94 and Tim Ward’s 64. Despite a shaky start at 44 for 2, partnerships from Ward, Caleb Jewell, and Silk propelled Tasmania to a solid total before rain ended play early. New South Wales, needing a win to stay in contention for the final, face a challenging task ahead. Meanwhile, NSW opener Sam Konstas, under scrutiny after mixed performances, seeks to impress selectors as Australia’s Test Championship final approaches. South Australia leads the match against Queensland at 359 for 4.
Tasmania scored 309 for 7 (Silk 94*, Ward 64) against New South Wales
New South Wales, positioned third, entered the game aware that a victory was vital for their chances of reaching the final to be held in South Australia.
Tasmania’s strong first-innings score puts pressure on NSW, who have a considerable task ahead to secure a favorable outcome.
Tasmania initially faltered to 44 for 2 when Jake Weatherald (nine) was caught at slip and Nivethan Radhakrishnan (10) was given out lbw by Ben Dwarshuis.
A partnership of 65 runs between Ward and Jewell, followed by an 82-run partnership between Ward and Silk, strengthened Tasmania’s position.
When play resumes on Sunday, Silk may have the opportunity to achieve his 12th first-class century.
Tasmania currently holds the last position on the table and has no chance of making it to the final.
For NSW, the stakes are high; they need to defeat Tasmania and hope that second-placed Queensland fails to win against ladder leaders South Australia.
This match also presents another chance for NSW opener Sam Konstas to shine, especially ahead of Australia’s Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s in June.
Konstas made an impressive Test debut against India during the Boxing Day Test, but his inconsistent form has become a significant topic of discussion.
The 19-year-old bounced back with a crucial half-century in last week’s Shield draw with WA at the WACA, and his performance against Tasmania will be closely examined as Australia’s selectors consider who will accompany Usman Khawaja at the top of the batting order.