It’s South vs the West when South Australia clash with Western Australia at Blundstone Arena this Saturday in the culmination of the 2017 JLT Cup. Join The Roar for a live blog of the game from 2pm AEDT.
If you look at the odds on offering for this fixture, Western Australia seem to be decently backed to take out the Australian ODD title for season 2017.
Under a new coaching regime, and with some handy off-season work, names like the Marsh brothers, Marcus Stoinis, Jason Behrendorff and Hilton Cartwright headline a superstar eleven based in the nations West.
While they have had many away on international duty for the majority of this tournament, they have still been the benchmark side, and duly went through the preliminary stages undefeated – in the process booking a free pass through to the group final.
South Australia, on the other hand, could’ve been written off after being thumped by the lowly Cricket Australia XI in round 1, however they’ve had a resurgence of demigod like proportions, largely thanks to the outstanding opening partnership formed by the previously unheralded Alex Carey and Jake Weatharald. Callum Ferguson too, has been in outstanding form.
Where the game will be won
The top order. South Australia’s side has relied heavily on their top four bats in the prelim games of this tournament. If they can start strongly, and one of their top four gets a big hundred – I think they could come over the top of the favourites.
That being said, the WA attack, who look to be bolstered by the return of Jason Behrendorff and Marcus Stoinis, have an embarrassment of riches at their disposal. It could be over quickly if they find their feet in the first 20 overs.
I think WA look a little too strong here, however.
Western Australia in a tight one.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 2pm AEDT.
Don Freo
Guest
And that was without Whiteman, Agar, Stoinis and Paris.
Brissie Boy
Guest
Congrats to the Marsh bros and co. WA undoubtedly had the strongest line-up in the comp and they certainly proved it tonight.
Don Freo
Guest
You'd think D'Arcy Short could have got the guernsey as the spinner. Bats just a bit better than Fawad and Boyce.
Doctor Rotcod
Guest
Cricket Australia couldn't find a place for a West Australian bowler in their team of the tournament. I think there were two games where they didn't take ten wickets.(Both against SA)
Roshan
Guest
Congrats WA. Well played SA. Both captains strategy were on the mark. Jyhe richardson And carey is the future of CA.
Bazmace
Guest
A lot of depth in WA cricket, should definitely have a second big bash franchise.
BurgyGreen
Guest
Yeah SA did themselves in with Carey, Ferguson, Head and Ross all getting starts but losing their wickets at bad times. Their bowling was never going to defend less than 320 against WA's batting.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Congrats to WA. Hopefully we smash in the Shield.
Nick Kelland
Roar Guru
WESTERN AUSTRALIA ARE THE JLT CUP CHAMPIONS FOR 2017 Captain Mitch Marsh finishes it with a delightful on drive. He's been outstanding all tournament and finishes 80 not out. More to come.
Rellum
Roar Guru
It is a bit of a fizzer as a game. WA is well ahead of everyone for this couple of weeks.
Nick Kelland
Roar Guru
END OF OVER 43 WA 4-242 M. Marsh 72 (76) Cartwright 15 (23) Cartwight takes 4 off that Mennie over, courtesy of a booming off drive. 7 to win the 2017 JLT cup.
BurgyGreen
Guest
Phwoar that's a nice shot. Cartwright's looked a bit frazzled outside off at times but that was sumptuous
Nick Kelland
Roar Guru
END OF OVER 42 WA 4-238 M. Marsh 72 (76) Cartwright 11 (16) Cartwight pulls and pulls well, taking 5 off that Worrall over. WA need 11 to win off plenty.
Nick Kelland
Roar Guru
END OF OVER 41 WA 4-233 M. Marsh 72 (76) Cartwright 5 (11) A tidy over from Zampa - only three off.
Nick Kelland
Roar Guru
END OF OVER 40 WA 4-230 M. Marsh 71 (72) Cartwright 5 (9) Maiden over from Worrall.
Nick Kelland
Roar Guru
END OF OVER 39 WA 4-230 M. Marsh 71 (72) Cartwright 5 (3) Confident start from Cartwright, leans on one through the covers for four on his second ball. Decent over from Zampa, but it looks too little too late for SA.
Nick Kelland
Roar Guru
WICKET A. Turner 35 (24) - Bowled Zampa WA - 4-225 A highly entertaining little knock comes to an end, bowled looking to sweep across the line.
Nick Kelland
Roar Guru
END OF OVER 38 WA 3-225 M. Marsh 70 (70) Turner 35 (23) A stunning straight drive off Worrall's third ball from Turner was an absolute cracking cricket shot. Finishes with another, and just for good measure - puts the last ball of the over on the hill for six. Wow.
Nick Kelland
Roar Guru
END OF OVER 37 WA 3-195 M. Marsh 70 (70) Turner 15 (16) Zampa's over goes for six, as Turner finds the boundary again - this time down sweeping hard to the square leg boundary.
Nick Kelland
Roar Guru
END OF OVER 36 WA 3-195 M. Marsh 67 (66) Turner 10 (14) A beautiful square drive from Ashton Turner punctuated that over - he looks calm.