Spin magician

TASMANIA unleashed ambidextuous spin magician Nivethan Radhakrishnan on the Sheffield Shield on Friday – and the Trigers would’ve been pleased with the results.

The 19-year-old has the ability to bamboozle opposition batters by turning the ball with either his left or right hand, an incredibly rare skill.

Radhakrishnan dazzled on the world stage at the recent Under 19 World Cup but was made to wait patiently until the 54th over until he could face the NSW batting order at the SCG.

Just 12 balls into his first class career, Radhakrishnan dispatched former Test gloveman Peter Nevill, the last of NSW’S out-and-out batters.

Earlier in the day, Sam Rainbird got the Taswegians off to a flyer, claiming three wickets inside the first session to decimate the locals’ top order.

Without the dependable Daniel Hughes, sidelined by Covid-19, NSW’S ranks began to thin out very quickly.

Also struck down by the virus, coach Phil Jaques watched from afar as his troops sputtered their way to stumps.

Rain put a dampener on the first day of the other Sheffield Shield match, played between Victoria and Queensland at the MCG.

The visitors won the toss and chose to bat, with Jack Clayton managing the most runs of the Bulls.