South Australia ended an 18-game Sheffield Shield winless streak by downing Tasmania on Tuesday
It was a long time between drinks for South Australia - more than 650 days, in fact - but its first-class winless streak came to an end in Hobart against Tasmania on Tuesday.
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Harry Nielsen says South Australia is positioned to attack the second half of the season - hopefully with Jamie Siddons as coach – after a drought-breaking win against Tasmania.
Nielsen top scored with 86 in an unbroken 136-run stand with Will Bosisto (47) that delivered a six-wicket triumph in Hobart - its first since February last year.
“My second game was our last win, so a long time between drinks,” said Nielsen after SA snapped an 18-game first-class winless streak.
“We have been pretty close in some games so it has been nice to get reward for effort.
“The boys have been trying really hard. Sometimes that can be a bit of a strain when you are not getting results.
“A win is massive and hopefully we can get some momentum building from that.”
Nielsen – understudy to keeper-batsman and skipper Alex Carey – is finding his groove as a specialist batsman. Set 170 for victory, No. 6 Nielsen joined Bosisto after Carey’s exit for 6 with SA 4-34.
“It has probably taken me a game or so to get used to it. You can’t contribute with the gloves if you miss out with the bat. I am loving playing and will do anything to get a game,” Nielsen said.
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“I didn’t’ have much time to think about it, was out there before I knew it. Sometimes that can be a good thing.
“To get through the hard bit and get the boys home was something that you dream of so a really special day.”
Towering speedster Wes Agar has been a revelation across all forms this season while offering contrast to steady trio Chadd Sayers, Joe Mennie and Nick Winter.
Rookie Agar ensured an achievable target with an eight wicket match haul including 5-53 in Tasmania’s second innings 261.
“He has been awesome Wes, really consistent, done it game after game,” said Nielsen of Agar who has snared 23 wickets at 21 in five Sheffield Shield matches this campaign.
“He has been our best bowler so far this season and really enjoying his cricket. He makes a point of difference with Chaddy, Joe and Wints.”
Opener Jake Weatherald’s third ton in as many matches against Tasmania gave SA the launch pad it needed for an elusive win.
“We all know how good Weathers can be on his day,” said Nielsen.
Former Test batsman Greg Blewett assumed head coach duties for SA’s loss to Western Australia in Perth then its Hobart success.
Jamie Siddons took two games leave for personal reasons but there is cause for optimism after the two month BBL hiatus.
“Blewey has been really good coming in, in tough circumstances with Jamie leaving for a couple of games,” said 15-game keeper-batsman Nielsen.
“We will see what happens after Big Bash, not too sure on Jamie’s situation. It is a private and personal matter.”
“We know we are not far off, feel like we have the cattle. It is a funny one, you get a win and don’t play a four-day game for a couple of months.