Western Australia smashes Redbacks after rollercoaster clash against South Australia

Western Australia’s Can Bancroft helped the Warriors cruise to victory on the third day of the Shield clash against South Australia.

Cam Bancroft’s impressive second coming continued as Western Australia demoralised win-less South Australia with a third day rout in Perth.

The Warriors were untroubled chasing 243 in contrast to the previous two days where batsman failed to cope with a green tinged WACA strip. WA’s mission was smoothed when Ashes hopeful and Redbacks spearhead Daniel Worrall broke down with an apparent hamstring strain after one over.

Matt Kelly’s career best 6/67 swung the contest back under WA’s control after the visitors strong second day showing.

Bancroft (52) figured in a 112-run opening stand with Sam Whiteman (44) that took the sting out of the Redbacks attack and set up a six-wicket win.

Bancroft, available for Ashes selection having finished a nine-month ball tampering ban, crunched an unconquered 131 and 86 against New South Wales in Sydney last week.

Bancroft struck five boundaries in the morning session as the Warriors’ run chase gathered momentum.

Joe Mennie (3/55) and debutant Luke Robins removed Whiteman and Bancroft in successive overs.

Keeper-batsman Josh Inglis (29) and WA skipper Mitch Marsh consolidated with a 61-run stand until the cusp of tea. Marsh (31) was caught by Tom Cooper off Mennie who also bowled Inglis.

Josh Phillippe’s (53) unconquered half-century sealed victory. Former Test allrounder Hilton Cartwright was unbeaten on 11. Phillippe underscored billing as a rookie to watch, also top scoring with 47 in WA’s first innings 157 which left SA with a two-run first innings lead.

The Redbacks added 22 to their overnight total of 8-218 but Travis Head was left to carry the load in a disappointing 240 second innings total.

Head (72) lasted four balls on the third morning before exiting as Kelly’s fifth scalp while Luke Robins was last man out. Worrall remained not out 23.

Kelly is often overshadowed in a talented Warriors pace battery but ruled the WACA with quality swing bowling.

The Warriors jumped to third spot with their third win of the season, now nine points behind second ranked New South Wales.

Head’s outfit faces fifth-placed Queensland in Brisbane starting next Monday and must win to avoid successive wooden spoon finishes. Mennie and Nick Winter are SA’s only fit, frontline paceman. Former Test swingman Chadd Sayers and Worrall are battling hamstring strains while Kane Richardson has a side strain. The Bulls slid to fifth following a 174-run loss to the Blues at the Gabba.