Sheffield Shield Round 7, Day 2: Blues Cause Carnage, Bulls Flattened
The Blues couldn’t have hoped for a better day at the SCG as they put Victoria to the sword. There were a few great batting performances on the Blues scorecard – Scott Henry 92, Kurtis Patterson 94 – but it was the captain Peter Nevill that stole the show with 100 not out off 134 balls to lead New South Wales to a declaration on 9/452 – 234 runs ahead. Nevill’s innings reinforces our strong opinion that he should be the next choice keeper for the Australian Test team after Brad Haddin. Kurtis Patterson is a young player to watch. He’s averaging 46 after 5 matches and scoring a century in his debut innings.
Victoria then had 6 overs to face out before stumps. It couldn’t have gone any worse. Handscomb, Finch and Stoinis all out. For ducks. Two night watchmen, Boland and Muirhead, at the crease both on 0. Yes, Victoria finished the day at 3/0. Copeland got 2, Bollinger 1. Incredible. And this Victorian team leaves out David Hussey. Ok, I won’t start on that again. The only thing that can save Victoria is a lot of rain – and there will be a bit around in Sydney over the next couple of days.
At the Gabba, Tom Cooper was finally dismissed for 175. Redbacks skipper Johan Botha fell 5 runs short of a maiden Sheffield Shield hundred, before South Australia were eventually bowled out for 403. In response, Queensland were rolled for 135. Mennie and Sayers took 3 each. South Australia are back in and controlling the game at 0/22.
Marcus North fell on the Australian unlucky number of 87 in his attempt to hit a 4th ton for the season. Another great innings nevertheless. None of the other Western Australian batsmen were able to take control of the innings but slog-a-thon from Coulter-Nile and Whiteman after tea boosted the Warriors to first innings points. Ben Hilfenhaus then dismissed the pair and took the last wicket as well to end up with 6/82. Western Australia were all out for 279, 31 ahead. Tassy, back into bat, finished the day 2/78 after Mark Cosgrove hit a quick 48. Tasmania lead by 47.
