AUSTRALIA is putting their faith in an 18-year-old all-rounder from western Sydney to unravel the South Africans before a ball is even bowled this summer.

Teenager Arjun Nair bowls spin and can open the batting in an exciting package deal that has already seen him promoted to the Sydney Thunder BBL squad and has good judges in Australian cricket licking their lips.

But Nair’s first national duty will be to try and unsettle Hashim Amla and the South Africans in this weekend’s two-day tour match playing for the Cricket Australia XI in Adelaide.

“Amla is someone I’ve watched on TV for many years and to be out there with them is pretty cool,” he said.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to test myself against these players.”

media_camera Arjun Nair lofts down the ground during a Matador Cup match against Victoria. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Nair bowls off-spinners and has starred in this year’s Matador Cup, taking 11 wickets for the Greg Chappell’-mentored CA XI’s band of rookies. He also won man-of-the-match honours in a game where he showed his versatility, smashing 67 opening the batting against Victoria.

Part of the Sydney Thunder’s rookie list, Nair, born in Canberra and raised in Sydney’s west is now being billed as a key asset in their BBL title defence — his off-spin variations modelled on West Indian Sunil Narine, perfectly suited to T20 cricket.

“Last year it was great to be around people like Hussey, Russell, Watson and Kallis and see how they operate and go about their business,” said Nair.

“I’m really excited to be able to come back this year, hopefully I can get an opportunity and perform well.

“To play in the Big Bash is my number one goal. I want to keep improving and strive for it.”