They still have some work to do but Western Australia are daring to dream after building a handy 171-run lead over Victoria after Day 3 of the Sheffield Shield final in Perth.
Western Australia fought their way to 3-91 at stumps in the face of some persistently accurate Victorian bowling, led by the indefatigable Scott Boland.
Opener Sam Whiteman played a crucial 128-ball knock to be 45 not out at stumps, with teenage all-rounder Teague Wyllie also at the crease on 15.
Boland (2-14 off ten overs) had WA wobbling by sending Cameron Bancroft – scorer of two centuries in the past three matches – back to the pavilion for a duck after just three balls of the WA second innings.
Spinner Matt Short dismissed Shaun Marsh for 13, before Boland returned to knock over Hilton Cartwright (12).
(Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images)
Earlier, WA achieved success by edging Victoria on first-innings bonus points, meaning a draw in the five-day contest will be enough to claim the Shield.
The complicated system, which rewards runs and wickets secured in the first 100 overs of each team’s first innings, became something of a game within a game.
Victoria ultimately fell 24 runs shy of a target that became more challenging as each wicket fell.
The bonus points may yet become a factor with some rain predicted for Perth on Sunday.
“We thought we were in a position to get the bonus points,” Victoria captain Peter Handscomb said.
“But if we bowl well tomorrow, hopefully those bonus points don’t come into play.”
Victoria resumed Day 3 at 3-147, well behind the required run rate to edge WA on bonus points.
Nightwatchman Mitch Perry chose the perfect time to play the innings of his life with an impressive 74, exactly double the previous best of the 21-year-old’s 16-match career.
In concert with Handscomb, Perry helped add 111 for the fourth wicket only for the former to crucially fall in the final over before lunch.
Nic Maddinson set about building the run rate with his knock of 20 from 12 balls consisting entirely of boundaries.
But Joel Paris produced a superb delivery to dismiss Maddinson and kick-start the Vics’ collapse.
Paris picked up 3-95, while Aaron Hardie impressed with three top-order scalps in his 3-54.
“I think with this wicket you still need to apply as much pressure as you can, and I think there is still enough in the wicket that you can extract something,” said Paris.
“The first hour tomorrow is going to be key for us.”
13th Man
Roar Rookie
Fantastic servant for WA Sport. Dad met him a few times at the WACA etc and always had a high level of respect. I'm sure he's looking down over the WA boys celebrating and is a happy man.
13th Man
Roar Rookie
Possibly, it’s hard to know. If Inglis gets an extended run in the Aussie set up then of course the spot will be Philippe’s like it was this year. The issue is Inglis barely played any cricket this season, and for the guy that’s clearly next in line to take the gloves for Australia that’s an issue. If I was CA I’d be wanting him to play for WA a lot, as if Carey goes down he is in. That leaves Philippe in a position where he could be in and out, and sometimes playing as a batsman only etc. I’d love him to stay as he’s a quality prospect, but I wouldn’t begrudge him the move to NSW. WA can cover Inglis being out as Bancroft is a comfortable backup gloveman, and Whiteman used to take the gloves too.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Funny, I just re-watched that on the weekend.
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
Once were Warriors
Jeff
Roar Rookie
No longer the *Warriors* :thumbup:
Jeff
Roar Rookie
It would the smart move on his part.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Agreed. He put a lot of his own money and time getting Sportfm set up. – Chatted a couple of times in the WACA Members Bar and his Sportfm-branded van was not an uncommon sight on the roads in the southern suburbs. – Many “sportspeople” (players) get strong community recognition when they pass, but Colin Minson probably sits nearer the top of the tree than most re actual contribution to WA sport.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Neither will they.
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
Well I can't very well refer to Richmond's historical premiership in the future
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
You never refer to Richmond's historical premiership in the past.
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
Hey how do you know I'm not a troll? I might be a fledgling troll who just hasn't hit his straps yet.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
He says he wants to stay but I reckon he could be tempted.
13th Man
Roar Rookie
Philippe is an interesting one. Inglis is clearly ahead of him in red ball (and probably White ball too considering he has been in the t20 wc squad). Does he look to NSW now that Nevill has retired and he already plays for the Sixers?
13th Man
Roar Rookie
SportFM is excellent, it's a pity they aren't exposed to a wider audience outside Perth. Wayne Clark is a great pundit as is Ackerman. They actually discussed the game rather than reminiscing about old times sakes like Hadds, Boof and co did for 4 days.
13th Man
Roar Rookie
Agreed, his u/19 World Cup was excellent, in the best 3 batsmen in that competition. He will play a lot of Cricket for WA next season, particularly if the guys we expect to play in the National side are picked (unless Cummins just picks his mates).
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Or take the SportFM commentary. After all, that includes Wayne Clark, coach of our last Shield winning side.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Before the Final, Bancroft was averaging only low 30s. Wyllie will be one of the best cricketers in the country very quickly. I watched each of his innings in the World Cup. To top the batting in the WC and make the World 11 is a pretty good addition to the CV. Some of his Premier Cricket centuries have been terrific. He'll win a spot with his own credentials. If Inglis is back, he is ahead of Philippe with the red ball.
13th Man
Roar Rookie
How hard would it have been to send a commentary team to Perth? and even use some WA and Vic former players as special comments, instead of former NSW and Queenslanders talking nonsense. Could've had the likes of Gilly, Huss and JL who are all local in WA.
13th Man
Roar Rookie
Minno would be a very happy man today! Wish he had lasted a few weeks longer to see this.
13th Man
Roar Rookie
Wyllie is an opener, so if in the near future Whiteman gets a deserved call up, then Wyllie is probably next in line there.