Tasmania bowled out for 136 in Hobart as NSW seize the advantage by stumps in day-night Sheffield Shield clash

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Will Salzmann continued his impressive rookie summer with a composed half-century under lights as New South Wales took control on day one of their day-night Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania in Hobart.

After pacer Liam Hatcher claimed the second five-wicket haul of his career to dismiss the hosts for just 136, Salzmann’s assured innings guided NSW into a commanding position by stumps.

The Blues ended the opening day firmly in the box seat in what shapes as a pivotal contest, with both teams needing a win to keep their finals hopes alive.

Salzmann has been one of the standout performers of the summer for NSW, earning praise from Nathan Lyon following a third-innings 72 on debut against Western Australia. On a challenging pink-ball surface at Ninja Stadium, the 22-year-old again showed maturity beyond his years.

While movement under lights troubled most batters, Salzmann played with soft hands and sound judgment through a testing final session. He was eventually dismissed when edging Jackson Bird onto his stumps, but not before putting NSW in a strong position.

Salzmann struck boundaries off Bird and Mitch Owen, pulled confidently through the leg side, and drove Beau Webster for another four. His efforts anchored an 80-run opening partnership with Sam Konstas, who made 27 before holing out on the boundary.

NSW’s strong day came amid leadership rotation, with captain Jack Edwards briefly handing over duties to Kurtis Patterson to manage his workload following a demanding stretch of cricket.

That the Blues remain in finals contention is notable, especially after Cricket NSW confirmed veteran coach Greg Shipperd will depart at season’s end.

Earlier, Hatcher was the standout with the ball, swinging the pink Dukes prodigiously on his way to career-best figures of 5 for 51. He removed Test opener Jake Weatherald early before bowling Tim Ward, dismissing Caleb Jewell, and accounting for Jake Doran and Bird.

Tasmania found little resistance beyond Charlie Wakim, whose 58 was the only score above 20, leaving the hosts facing an uphill battle as NSW tightened their grip on the match.