Sheffield Shield: Alex Carey’s stellar form continues with century

Two Australian Test stars have locked horns in a high-calibre battle in a tense Sheffield Shield clash between South Australia and NSW.

Australian keeper Alex Carey is hurtling towards the Test summer with a full head of steam after posting a fluent century to rescue South Australia in the Sheffield Shield on Friday.

Carey and star spin bowler Nathan Lyon were locked in a compelling duel on the final day of the clash between South Australia and NSW, with the left-hander crashing 15 boundaries on his way to a 132-ball hundred.

He was forced to the crease with the Redbacks reeling at 4-23 after Lyon removed Conor McInerney, nightwatchman Nathan McAndrew and Travis Head in quick succession.

Lyon’s three-wicket burst came after he snared a five-wicket haul in the first innings, while Carey backed up an important 90 from 85 balls in the Redbacks’ first innings.

Alex Carey pumps his fist after bringing up his seventh first-class hundred for South Australia against NSW. Picture: Brendon Thorne / Getty Images

At 4-179 midway through the second session, South Australia still needed 210 runs to win but were a chance of forcing a draw after Carey made amends for the crucial dropped catch that allowed 19-year-old Sam Konstas to go from 0 to 105 for twin centuries in only his fifth first-class game.

Carey was again supported by a rock-solid innings from Redbacks captain Nathan McSweeney, who has one hand on a coveted Australia A batting spot against India A.

The 25-year-old was unbeaten on 58 off 130 balls after posting 55 off 164 in the first innings.

After becoming the youngest player since Ricky Ponting in 1993 to post two centuries in a Shield match, the impressive Konstas also poached his third catch of the game with a sharp take under the helmet at short cover to remove McAndrew.

Originally published as Sheffield Shield: Alex Carey’s stellar form continues with century