Matthew Wade has proven himself again to be a man for a crisis after leading a fightback for Tasmania in their Sheffield Shield clash with NSW.
The former Test batter was unbeaten on 68 at tea on day one, leading the way in Tasmania's total of 5-157 at Blundstone Arena.
Wade had come to the crease after lunch with the total at 4-56.
The Blues had won the toss and sent the hosts in, and opening bowler Chris Tremain (3-31) was hard to handle on a pitch that offered just enough for the seamers.
Tasmania opener Caleb Jewell (53) fell to Liam Hatcher after lunch before Wade launched a counter-attack.
The 34-year-old has built a reputation for digging his teams out of trouble with rearguard fightbacks and this occasion was no different.
Wade's driving through the covers was exquisite, with his timing and placement a feature.
At tea he had received handy support from allrounder Beau Webster (15no) with the pair combining for an unbroken 62-run stand.
The Blues had lost in-form batter Daniel Hughes to COVID-19 prior to play in a major blow.
He scored 91 in his most recent Shield match, and followed it up with 139 in NSW's one-day loss to South Australia.
Tim Paine was a notable absentee for Tasmania, with Jake Doran instead named as wicketkeeper.
