Sheffield Shield 2020-21: Tim Paine incredibly stumps centurion Nick Larkin off a pacer

Nick Larkin’s fine century against Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield came to a dramatic end on Tuesday after the New South Wales opener was dismissed in a bizarre manner. The right-handed batsman was batting on 161 and was looking set to score his maiden first-class double-century before being dismissed in a disappointing manner.

Larkin lost his concentration for few seconds and it was enough for Australia captain Tim Paine to do the rest from behind the stumps. Larkin played and missed the ball and decided to hold his pose for few seconds while standing outside the crease, giving Paine a chance and the Tasmania wicketkeeper grabbed it with both the hands.

The incident took place in the 98th over. Tasmania pacer Gabe Bell beat Larkin’s outside edge with a brilliant outgoing delivery. Larkin, on his part, did well not to edge the ball but made a mistake in realising the danger while standing outside the crease. As he was standing outside the crease, Paine stumped him with an underarm throw from behind the stumps.

“Now Tim Paine has got a wicket by just being a very smart cricketer – now that’s how you get Larkin out,” the commentator said.

Here is a clip of the dismissal:

New South Wales in front:

Meanwhile, despite Nick Larkin’s disastrous dismissal and despite being bowled out for just 64 in the first innings, New South Wales are firmly ahead in the ongoing game. Tasmania had put themselves in the driver’s seat by scoring 239 in the first innings before New South Wales piled up 522 for 6 (declared) in their second innings.

Apart from Larkin,  Moises Henriques (113) and Sean Abbott (102*) scored centuries too to help New South Wales recover from their disastrous first innings. Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc impressed with the bat too, scoring 86 and sharing an unbeaten 189-run stand with Abbott for the seventh wicket.

In reply, Tasmania have started their innings on a shaky note as they lost their opener, Charlie Wakim, for a duck. At the time of writing this report, Tasmania were on 8 for one after five overs, trailing New South Wales by 340 runs.