Years of hard work paid off for Jarrod Freeman on Saturday as he made his Sheffield Shield debut aged just 17.
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In receiving his first state selection, the off-spinner became the first player born this century to play in the competition and the Tigers’ youngest debutant in recent memory.
He also became the third George Town bowler to play for the state in less than three years, following in the footsteps of Test bowler Xavier Doherty and rising star Gabe Bell.
After being presented his cap by George Bailey at the start of the day, Freeman entered the fray in the 22nd over with New South Wales at 1-66 and did not disappoint.
Facing a team boasting six Test-capped players, the national under-19 representative kept it tight early and produced a maiden in his third over.
After eight overs without reward Freeman recorded his breakthrough wicket with the second ball of his second spell.
Bowling around the wicket, Freeman enticed former Test opener Ed Cowan down the pitch and beat him in flight, leading the 35-year-old veteran to strike a catch to George Bailey’s safe pair of hands at extra cover.
The celebrations were typically contained from Freeman, but enthusiastic from his teammates.
He went on to record 1-85 off 21 – the most overs of any bowler for the day – and will no doubt be thrown the ball again on Sunday as the Tigers look to clean up the Blues’ tail.