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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Scott Pryde
Expert
Cameron White ended up with 77 as the Bushrangers got to 399 runs which has given them a handy first innings lead. The tail managed to hang around, adding very little of their own but enabling White to go on with the job. Daniel Worrall ended up with six wickets for the Redbacks, as Chadd Sayers didn't bowl an over in today's play. In reply, the Redbacks have started things off a lot more conservatively, going under 3 runs per over at this stage and just trying to work their way into the game. With a 59 run deficit to make up, they really need to get their none down and then go about setting a total for the Bushrangers to chase down. Both Mark Cosgrove and Jake Weatherald are picking their spots well, and it would be fair to say that both Chris Tremain and Scott Boland have again wasted the new ball. Spin also into the attack early on so it will be interesting to see how that goes, keeping in mind the Redbacks have no front line spinner. Southern Redbacks 2nd Innings - 0/29 (11) Jake Weatherald 17 Mark Cosgrove 12 Chris Tremain 0/6 (5) Scott Boland 0/18 (5) Jon Holland 0/5 (1) Southern Redbacks 1st Innings - 10/340 (93.3) Victoria 1st Innings - 10/399 (121.2) South Australia trail by 30 runs
Scott Pryde
Expert
LUNCH DAY 3 Well, Victoria take the lead of the match into lunch but they will be a little disappointed with how many wickets they have ended up losing. Peter Handscomb batted well but was brought undone by Opie. The other two wickets this morning have fallen to Daniel Worrall who has bowled nine very good overs this morning. Cameron White is still at the crease, and for the Bushrangers it is key the tail hangs around and supports him for as long as possible. Despite the fact that the Redbacks only have Travis Head for spin, they have to bat last on this pitch and can't afford to be chasing a massive score in the fourth innings. This next half an hour is going to tell us a lot, because with only tail enders there it is hard to see White trying to hang around. You would imagine he will get fairly aggressive, because what other choice does he have? Still no sign of Chadd Sayers today. Victoria 8/356 (111) Rob Quiney – Caught Raphael, Bowled Worrall 23 (30) Travis Dean – Caught Carie, Bowled Opie 111 (201) Marcus Stoinis – Caught Carey, Bowled Worrall 35 (87) Peter Handscomb - Bowled Opie 112 (201) Matthew Wade – Bowled Worrall 14 (24) Scott Boland – LBW, Joe Mennie 5 (22) Cameron White 41 Daniel Christian - Bowled Worrall 12 (27) Chris Tremain - LBW Bowled Worrall 0 (1) Jon Holland 1 Chadd Sayers 0/61 (20) Daniel Worrall 5/78 (29) Joe Mennie 1/77 (30) Elliot Oppie 2/92 (23) Travis Head 0/47 (9) South Australia 10/340 (93.3) Victoria lead by 16 runs
Scott Pryde
Expert
Handscomb goes past his century, and he is batting fairly solidly this morning, taking a lead role in the partnership as White attempts to adapt to the conditions out there. Chadd Sayers still hasn't bowled yet this morning. Joe Mennie though, bowling brilliantly this morning. Victoria 5/300 (97) Rob Quiney – Caught Raphael, Bowled Worrall 23 (30) Travis Dean – Caught Carie, Bowled Opie 111 (201) Marcus Stoinis – Caught Carey, Bowled Worrall 35 (87) Peter Handscomb 101 Matthew Wade – Bowled Worrall 14 (24) Scott Boland – LBW, Joe Mennie 5 (22) Cameron White 9 Chadd Sayers 0/61 (20) Daniel Worrall 3/73 (26) Joe Mennie 1/60 (26) Elliot Oppie 1/58 (16) Travis Head 0/47 (9) South Australia 10/340 (93.3) Victoria trail by 40 runs.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Very! This first session is going to tell us a lot about the game. You feel the Redbacks have to be well into the tail by lunch.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Daniel Worrall and Joe Mennie start up the morning, An early wicket gets rid of night watchmen before he can trouble the scorers and the real action starts now. Cameron White to the crease Victoria 5/276 (88) Rob Quiney – Caught Raphael, Bowled Worrall 23 (30) Travis Dean – Caught Carie, Bowled Opie 111 (201) Marcus Stoinis – Caught Carey, Bowled Worrall 35 (87) Peter Handscomb 85 Matthew Wade – Bowled Worrall 14 (24) Scott Boland – LBW, Joe Mennie 5 (22) Cameron White 1 Chadd Sayers 0/61 (20) Daniel Worrall 3/56 (22) Joe Mennie 1/53 (22) Elliot Oppie 1/58 (15) Travis Head 0/47 (9) South Australia 10/340 (93.3) Victoria trail by 64 runs.
jamesb
Guest
66 runs behind, 5 wickets in hand. Game is at an interesting stage.
Scott Pryde
Expert
OVERNIGHT SCOREBOARD Victoria 4/269 (84) Rob Quiney – Caught Raphael, Bowled Worrall 23 (30) Travis Dean – Caught Carie, Bowled Opie 111 (201) Marcus Stoinis – Caught Carey, Bowled Worrall 35 (87) Peter Handscomb 79 Matthew Wade – Bowled Worrall 14 (24) Scott Boland – 5 Chadd Sayers 0/61 (20) Daniel Worrall 3/51 (20) Joe Mennie 0/51 (20) Elliot Oppie 1/58 (15) Travis Head 0/47 (9) South Australia 10/340 (93.3) Victoria trail by 71 runs.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Victoria resuming the day from 4 for 269, just 71 runs behind on first innings. It's overcast in Glenelg, and with Peter Handscomb at the crease, and still Cameron White and Daniel Christian to come they can take the match away today.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Feel free to leave your comments and questions throughout the course of the day.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Hello and welcome to The Roar's coverage of the Sheffield Shield. Day 3 is about to get under way from Glenelg with the Victorian Bushrangers in a dominating position over the Southern Redbacks.