Fresh from Australian duty, paceman Jackson Bird has taken a seven-wicket haul for Tasmania in Sheffield Shield, helping dismiss NSW for 271.
At Bellerive Oval on Sunday the Blues took a 29-run lead into the second innings thanks largely to a century from No.3 Kurtis Patterson.
It was a better outcome for NSW than the bleak 4-26 overnight score had suggested was coming.
Bird finished with 7-45 – his best first-class figures – from 20.1 overs.
On day two he bowled Ryan Carters, just shy of his half-century, and two balls later trapped Sean Abbott lbw without score.
Big-hitting Doug Bollinger came to the middle and fired three boundaries and a six before also falling victim to a Bird delivery, caught at slip.
In fitting fashion, Bird bowled the delivery which ended NSW’s innings with Trent Copeland caught at long on.
On Saturday the fast bowler removed Blues opener Daniel Hughes and skipper Nic Maddinson, both for nought, and nightwatchman Nathan Lyon, for one.
Bird’s figures surpassed his previous first-class benchmark of 6-25.
Patterson was a much-needed steadying influence for NSW on day two.
With support from Ben Rohrer, Patterson reached his 50 from 103 balls and later returned from the tea break for his century.
However his knock came unstuck just a couple of balls later when caught at slip from a Hamish Kingston delivery.
Rohrer added a valuable 58 and was part of a 120-run partnership with Patterson until he was caught behind from a Evan Gulbis delivery.
The Blues need a win in the southern capital to keep their Shield finals hopes alive.
Smocks Folder
Guest
The Duke has been trialled out here and falls apart on our harder decks - too many people ? half-baked ideas as if they're the solution to the world's problems. Generally they aren't.
Cav
Guest
Jackson is a class bowler who is now a tradesman, his last two efforts in first class cricket have seen him take 17 wickets. He now goes to England full of confidence and under the radar of the selectors for the upcoming test later this year. You have to support him with all the back injuries he has had to overcome, good on you Jacko.
Craig Swanson
Guest
Not a lot of non Brits can. Even the Brits say mastering the Duke is not easy. Reason we should use the Duke more in Aussie domestic and even test cricket leading into the next away Ashes.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Yep, since coming back from two years off has taken 21 wickets at about 24, 17 wickets in the past two matches
Sammy
Guest
Well well, Trent Copeland wow! Cop that. Oh hang on speed gun is more important lol
Dave
Guest
And right back at you says Copes...forgotten man still showing class!
jameswm
Roar Guru
Yeah I really scratch my head with that one. Maybe he had an injury niggle that tour. Maybe there was another reason for him not swinging the Duke. The Pommie bowlers get the Duke to sing but struggle with the Kookaburra. I'd rank him 5 - behind Hazlewood, Starc, Patto and Cummins - which really puts him at no.2 right now! And if you think of it this way, If Hazey was injured, I'd slot Bird in. I guess Patto and Cummins are tight enough now not to need a "put the ball on the spot" type.
JGK
Roar Guru
He is a quality bowler. If only he could bowl with the Duke.
jameswm
Roar Guru
3 for 8 in the 2nd too. Maddinson survived the king pair - only to be dismissed 2nd ball. Yep - 3 balls faced in the match, got out on two of them. Also - all those left handers getting out LBW to Bird suggests he's getting some nice shape.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Maybe test was what he needed. He's a reliable bowler, and with the injuries to Starc, Pattinson and Cummins, there's a god chance we'll need him.