Tasmania rocked by South Australia in Sheffield Shield
Tasmania’s bid to host the Sheffield Shield final has taken a hit in the final round after a South Australian tipped for national selection broke the game open while a Tiger enjoyed a career day.
Cricket
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South Australia’s Nathan duo — McAndrew and McSweeney — have ensured Tasmania won’t have it all their own way in their bid to earn a home Sheffield Shield final.
The duo dominated the opening day’s play with the Tigers in early trouble in its first innings after bowling out the Redbacks having won the toss and sending the visitors in to bat.
McSweeney played a lone hand with the bat for the Redbacks, continuing his dominant domestic season, with 117 runs off 174 deliveries before he was trapped LBW by Kieran Elliott (3-65) who finished with career best figures.
The right-hander batter helped guide the visitors to an above average 271 as no other South Australian scored more than 30 despite an encouraging 46-run opening stand from Conor McInerney and Kyle Brazell.
Beau Webster and Ian Carlisle also both finished with three wickets apiece before the home side walked out to bat.
In gloomy conditions, Tassie found itself in early trouble in its first innings after reaching 3-27 at stumps.
McAndrew claimed the wickets of Caleb Jewell (duck), Charlie Wakim (four) and Jordan Silk (one) respectively).
The experienced Matthew Wade was able to bat through the day’s final 12 overs with 20 runs off 35 deliveries.
Nightwatchman Gabe Bell is unbeaten on zero after facing five balls.
In the game between Victoria and Western Australia, which will determine who the Tigers face in the decider, bowlers dominated the opening day’s play.
WA was all out for 244 as the returning Scott Boland claimed 4-41.
Victoria reached 1-7 at stumps with Nic Maddinson back in the sheds.
Tasmania will host the Shield final if it is able to claim a win over South Australia.
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