Crossword Genius

Unbeatable on new wicket that turns, covered loosely (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bestrewn

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'covered loosely' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with contact as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'unbeatable on new wicket that turns' is the wordplay.
'unbeatable' becomes 'best' (I've seen this before).
'on' becomes 're' (regarding).
'new' becomes 'n' (common abbreviation eg NT for New Testament).
'wicket' becomes 'w'.
'that turns' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'n'+'w'='nw'
'nw' written backwards gives 'wn'.
'best'+'re'+'wn'='BESTREWN'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bestrewn that I've seen before include "Broadcast" , "Cast haphazardly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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