The Southern Redbacks will need to begin their fightback on Day 3 of the Sheffield Shield Final if they are to take the win or even be able to draw, with the Victorian Bushrangers in a very strong position after two days.
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The Redbacks may have gotten off to a flying start on Day 1, but clumps of wickets limited them to 8 wickets for 325 at the end of the first day’s play. In a position where they finished first, so earning the right to host the final and take the trophy if the match was drawn after five days, it seemed strange to see the Redbacks playing with what can only be described as aggression.
It was clear that, even with the tail end at the crease early on Day 2, the Redbacks needed to find a way to bat for a long period of time if possible. Unfortunately for them, they only added 15 to their overnight total through their tail.
The Bushrangers were bolstered by the return of Chris Tremain, who took both wickets after going off the field injured at the end of Day 1.
In return, the Bushrangers have batted fantastically with the difference between their innings and that of the Redbacks being that they have not lost wickets in clumps. Whenever one was to fall, apart from right down the end of the day they have managed to build a partnership afterwards.
The Redbacks have had their chances badly damaged by the lack of a front line spinner, on a wicket that Jon Holland and Fawad Ahmed have proved that, while it doesn’t take a lot of spin, bowling the right speed, lines and lengths can reap massive rewards.
Travis Dean would score a century and led the Bushrangers to be 4 for 269 at stumps, just 71 runs behind. Peter Handscomb is still at the crease on 79. Daniel Worrall has been the pick of the bowlers with three wickets.
He is joined by Scott Boland who, in a massive bonus for the Victorians was sent in as night watchmen at number six and is still there at stumps. This has protected both Cameron White and Daniel Christian who are yet to bat.
The Redbacks need early wickets this morning, no doubt about it. If the Bushrangers can get to the total with two recognisable batsmen at the crease and then increase the pace of things, they are going to be a long way ahead in this match.
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