Western Australia skipper Sam Whiteman struck a fighting century before surprise debutant Cooper Connolly set tongues wagging in an entertaining opening day of the Sheffield Shield final against Tasmania.
WA went to stumps on day one at 8-325, with Whiteman (104 off 154 balls), Connolly (73no off 79 balls) and veteran D’Arcy Short (50 off 127 balls) the stars of the innings.
The Warriors pulled off two big selection calls leading into the match, handing Connolly his Shield debut and bringing in Short as a replacement for the injured Cameron Bancroft (concussion).
Short rode his luck on the way to posting the eighth half-century of his first-class career.
He was caught off a no-ball on 13 before being dropped on 16 by Caleb Jewell at first slip.
Short’s 110-run opening stand with Whiteman set the foundations for WA’s innings.
WA lost their way in the middle part of the day, slumping from 2-193 to 5-215.
But Connolly showed nerves of steel to give WA’s total a timely boost.
The 20-year-old became a cult hero a year ago when he led the Perth Scorchers to victory in the BBL final against Brisbane.
Connolly was set to play in the first Shield game of the current season, but those plans were scuppered when he broke a toe while jumping off a boat.
He made up for lost time on Thursday.
Connolly’s first 32 runs were all boundaries, and he reached his maiden Shield half-century off just 48 balls, featuring eight fours and two sixes.
Sam Whiteman raises his bat after scoring 100. (Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images)
He ended the day with 10 fours and three sixes to his name, and has the chance to post a dream century when play resumes on Friday.
Earlier in the day it was Whiteman in the spotlight as he brought up the 15th century of his first-class career.
Something special was required to bring Whiteman undone and Iain Carlisle came up with the goods by producing a delivery that jagged back an incredible amount to trap the WA skipper lbw.
WA’s bid to win a “three-peat” of Shield titles was dealt a huge blow on Sunday when star opener Bancroft crashed his bike.
A banged-up Bancroft spent a night in hospital and was ruled out of the final, but he came along on Thursday to support his teammates.
Tasmania are aiming to win their first Shield title since 2012/13.
Ravi
Roar Rookie
After Tassie served up a road when they hosted WA, in an unsuccessful attempt to keep their lead on the shield ladder, WA responded with the most excellent cricket wicket. Well done WA. A wicket that offered plenty for every discipline of the game. Big scores for good batsmen, bounce & seam opportunities to attack and to build pressure .... & spin from day 1. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Gannon to Silk: Is that the biggest nick never paid? :laughing:
Jeff
Roar Rookie
I think it may already be game over. Tasmania will need a decent 1st innings lead batting last against the spin/bounce on day 4 (maybe into day 5) that will favour WA's attack and not sure Tassie will even get a 1st innings lead at this point.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Early prediction: Corey Rocchiccioli for MoM.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Oh yeah. He's in my "and a range of others" with Jackson and Greer.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
No love for Vernon?
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Connolly just dropped on the boundary by ex-WA all rounder, Brad Hope. Really strange that Hope has not got a bowl yet. He has taken some big wickets this season. Captains are strange at times.
jammel
Roar Rookie
yeah all of those look good. Wylie and Fanning the best IMO, with Connolly. Strong young depth!
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
He’s actually a #3, #4. That’s where he batted as U19 Australian captain. That’s where he bats as captain of his Premier cricket club, Scarborough (at 20yo). 180no and 67no last weekend and the weekend before. Absolutely certain to be a Test player and national white ball stuff. Natural leader. He will never be the primary spinner but he is far better than part time spinners like Head or Short. He could, for instance be the only spinner on a green pitch when there is nothing for our main spinner, Tanveer Sangha or Corey Rocchiccioli. WA 20/21yo coming through include Connolly, Goodwin, Wyllie (the best of them all), Fanning, Curtis (with the gloves) and Haskett, Beardman and a range of others with the ball.
jammel
Roar Rookie
is CooperC a future Test player Don? He's the perfect white-ball #7. But how may Tests will he get as say a dynamic finger spinning six?
badmanners
Roar Rookie
Maybe not a great call from Tasmania to send in WA when they go beyond 100 without losing a wicket. A long way to go in this match but Tas need to wrap up the tail and bat big.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Tassie will find it tough barring last.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
If Webster can get a wicket with his offspin,well then...
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
He'll offer some support with the ball too.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
WA bat deep. Gannon has a twenty five* this season. Rocchiocoli has a high score of 36. Connolly has a high score of 73*…
Micko
Roar Rookie
How good is Connolly? :shocked: :cricket: Don Freo has praised him previously. :thumbup: