The Victorian Bushrangers might have taken the Day 1 honours by the smallest of margins, but they need to get well ahead of the match before they bat last against the Southern Redbacks. Join The Roar for live scores of Day 2 of the Sheffield Shield final from 11am (AEDT).
The Redbacks got off to a flying start on Day 1, and you wouldn’t have known that they only needed a draw to take home the ultimate prize in Australian domestic cricket, however a spirited fightback from the Bushrangers limited them to a score of 8 wickets for 325 by the end of the day from their 90 overs.
Jake Weatherald was the key early on, as he raced to 66 at more than a run a ball. With Mark Cosgrove looking scratchy at the other end, yet fighting gallantly the Bushrangers found the game slipping in the first session.
It would be fair to say that the Bushrangers wasted the new ball, but managed to recover with Jon Holland bowling 29 overs, almost consecutive throughout the day and putting the breaks on the Redbacks. He would end up with three wickets, but also created them at the other end.
Certainly there appeared to be no demons in the pitch, for the first 80 overs. Holland struggled to get the ball to turn despite how well he bowled, and the pace bowlers were getting very little. The Bushrangers appeared to use the second new ball much better though, getting it to move, particularly Scott Boland.
The Redbacks will be disappointed with their efforts during Day 1, despite ending up with 325 runs as wickets fell in bunches. After the first wicket fell, they lost three very quickly before Alex Ross and Alex Carey joined at the crease combining for a large partnership.
When the next wicket fell down the order though, there was another run on as the day’s play drew to a close.
Chris Tremain also went off with an injury for the Bushrangers, and that may hamper their second innings bowling effort.
From here, it is important for the Redbacks to last as long as possible. 350 is a target they should certainly be aiming at although the Bushrangers having to bat last on this pitch – which seems a little low and slow – will be dangerous.
The first hour of play today is going to tell us a lot, and the pressure will be on both sides. Whichever side wins the first hour, could well go on to win the match.
Be sure to join The Roar for live scores of this match from 11am (AEDT) and don’t forget to add your own comments in the section below as the action unfolds in Glenelg.
Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde
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