Tasmania's Jordan Silk bats during day one of the Sheffield Shield final against the Queensland Bulls.
THE ultimate mix of youth and experience saw Tasmania safely nestled into the box seat after an intriguing first day of the Sheffield Shield final against Queensland yesterday.
Twenty-year-old sensation Jordan Silk teamed up with 38-year-old Ricky Ponting to see the Tigers to 2-176 at stumps having spent most of his day with another wily veteran Mark Cosgrove.
Silk (82 not out) was at the crease from first ball to last while Cosgrove contributed an equally-patient 58 off 217 balls before Alex Doolan (6) fell cheaply and Ponting (20 not out) guided the ship to a safe berth for the night.
Australia's former Test captain must see much of himself in the tenacious young New South Welshman who was picked up by the Tigers as a rookie.
``I just don't want to get out,'' Silk said.
``I just want to be out there as long as I can and be involved in the game because I do love my cricket.
``It was a real battle for the whole day. I haven't had many days like that.''
Silk celebrated his maiden first-class century with his mentor last week and admitted he was still coming to terms with the scenario.
``You kind of have to pinch yourself when you're out there looking down and there's Ricky Ponting batting. It's kind of cool but you have to block that out and keep doing what you have the whole time.
``Rick brought a lot of energy to the crease and lifted me for that last 10 overs.''
