New South Wales pick teenage spinner of Indian origin

New South Wales have reportedly roped in teenage Hawkesbury off-spinner Arjun Nair for their upcoming encounter against South Australia in the Sheffield Shield. The youngster had earlier been included in the squad for the Under-19 World Cup, however, Australia pulled out of the event citing security reasons.

Nair had impressed one and all in his debut match for NSW’s second XI as he claimed match figures of 9 for 70 against ACT. The offie had first been spotted by Australian legend Greg Chappell and England first-class great Graeme Hick, who had sent him on a tour to England. In 3 Youth ODIs that Arjun Nair played against the English Under-19 team, he picked up 6 wickets with a best of 4 for 33.

The teenage spinner showed off his all-round skills in the warm-up tri-series prior to the Under-19 World Cup, featuring Pakistan and New Zealand. Nair played 3 matches in which he claimed 10 wickets and slammed a 89-ball 106 while opening the batting for his team.

Arjun Nair further enhanced his reputation in the recent Under-19 National Championships in Australia, where he bowled a match-winning spell of 6 for 24 in the final ensuring a third straight title for the NSW team. In the same match, the youngster also scored 41 valuable runs and deservedly won the Player of the Final award.

During the 2015/16 season of the KFC Big Bash League, Nair earned the Community Rookie spot for Sydney Thunder and lived a dream of being in the same dressing room as greats like Mike Hussey and Jacques Kallis. He is all set to become one of the youngest cricketers in recent years to make his Australian first-class debut.

After his heroics in the Under-19 National Championships, Arjun Nair’s father, Jay, had revealed how the 17-year old preferred to give his time to the bat and ball rather than his high school books. However, he will be relieved now that his son’s efforts have paid off as he prepares to make his Sheffield Shield debut.