An impressive one-day cup has helped teenage off-spinner Arjun Nair snare an upgraded contract with the Sydney Thunder for the upcoming Big Bash League.
The 18-year-old was one of the standouts for the winless Cricket Australia XI over the past three weeks, bagging 11 wickets at 22.7.
He has also shown he's handy with the bat, hitting 67 at the top of the order against a Victorian attack boasting experienced bowlers Michael Beer, Jon Holland, Fawad Ahmed and Dan Christian.
Nair has signed a full professional contract after being a development rookie when the club won their first BBL title last season.
The youngster will likely face his sternest test when he lines up for a Cricket Australia XI to face South Africa in this weekend's tour match in Adelaide.
The Australian under-19s representative made his Sheffield Shield debut for NSW in February.
