Bird takes four wickets as NSW struggle against Tasmania
Sam Konstas questioned a caught-behind decision as NSW finished day two at 8-174 in response to Tasmania’s 427 at Bellerive Oval.
Jackson Bird returned from injury with figures of 4-39 from 15 overs, helping Tasmania put NSW under pressure in their Sheffield Shield clash at Bellerive Oval. The visitors reached 8-174 by the close of the second day after Tasmania posted 427.
Bird, 39, was playing his first match of the season. He dismissed Sam Konstas for 5, Ollie Davies for 13 and Nic Maddinson for 2 as NSW slumped to 3-26.
Konstas appeared surprised when umpire Michael Graham-Smith gave him out caught behind. The 21-year-old raised his right hand and delayed leaving the crease, repeatedly looking back towards the umpire after a delivery that appeared to beat his bat.
Konstas is seeking a Test recall after recent scores of 71 and 151 not out against Western Australia in the Shield, followed by 149 in a one-day match against the same opponents.
Lachlan Shaw contributed 45 before becoming Bird’s fourth wicket. Ryan Hicks scored 43 and Jack Scott made 31, while Kurtis Patterson was caught behind for 14 off Brad Hope.
Earlier, Tasmania added 92 after starting the day at 5-335. Hope fell for 99, caught by Hicks off Ben Dwarshuis, while Jake Doran contributed 77. Dwarshuis finished with 4-85.
