SMOOTH AS SILK TIGERS
IT has been a long time since Jordan Silk showed his batting class for Tasmania but his welcome return to form yesterday helped the Tigers into a strong position.
After the first day of the Sheffield Shield clash against NSW was abandoned because of bad weather, yesterday’s play started 30 minutes earlier.
With the early start, NSW captain Peter Nevill had no hesitation sending Tasmania in to bat but at the end of the day he probably regretted his call, with the Tigers finishing 4-392.
Seven games into his Sheffield Shield career Silk had four first-class centuries, four years and 30 games later he brought up his fifth.
When Silk played a drive past bowler Trent Copeland, he ran three and brought up his century and his celebration suggested it meant a lot.
“It has been a long time,” Silk said. “I think it may have been my second season when I got my last one. It’s a bit of relief, no doubt.
“The new coaching staff have given me a lot of confidence and have backed me in. It was good to repay them for that.”
Silk’s mature innings came to an end on 104 after a Doug Bollinger yorker hit his foot.
Earlier Silk and opening partner Alex Doolan fought hard to get to the lunch break without losing a wicket on a bowler-friendly pitch.
Tasmania’s openers continued after the break but the Blues finally got the breakthrough when Doolan (42) edged a Harry Conway outswinger to Nevill’s gloves.
The wicket ended the 92run partnership, the highest opening partnership at home for Tasmania since the 2012-13 Sheffield Shield final where Silk and Cosgrove’s 133 helped set up victory.
“I get along really well with Dools and I like batting with him,” Silk said. “Hopefully we can forge a formidable partnership because it is something that has been missing the last few years.
“Hopefully we can strike up a good combination and stay there for the remainder of the year and for years to come.”
The inform George Bailey (71) made his fourth score over 50 in his past five innings.
Doran (75), Wade (72 not out) and McDermott (16 not out) stepped up the run rate late in the day.