The teenage nephew of Australian champion Ricky Ponting has fallen painfully short of a maiden state Second XI century.

Tom Dwyer, 18, was caught behind the wicket cutting while on 96 playing for Tasmania at Casey Fields on Monday.

Opening the batting, Dwyer carried his bat to tea unbeaten on 83 but was dismissed shortly after the interval.

Dwyer struck 19 fours against a Victorian attack second string in name but sturdy in nature.

David Moody – Victoria’s emergency quick in the Sheffield Shield last week – took the new ball, while spinner Doug Warren played after taking five-for against South Australia in the Shield opener.

He shared a 148-run opening stand with Nivethan Radhakrishnan (56) before they were both dismissed by Aussie Under-19 Harry Hoekstra.

Dwyer may be right-handed a

See Full Page