Webster at home as Tigers win again, Stanlake fires
Murray Wenzel |
Beau Webster will enter Australia’s Ashes Test squad in form after guiding Tasmania to a four-wicket, one-day cup win over South Australia.
The allrounder didn’t bowl, letting an on-song Billy Stanlake do the damage as the Redbacks made just 195 in Saturday’s match in Kingston, near Hobart.
He made his mark with the bat though, Webster batting at No.3 with authority as his 78 off 96 helped the Tigers home with more than 10 overs and four wickets to spare.
It was the Tigers’ fifth win from as many 50-over fixtures this year, pushing them well clear on the top of the table.
Webster fell with some work to be done, but Nikhil Chaudhary (19) and Nathan Ellis (20) guided them home.
Earlier, Stanlake (3-31 from 10 overs) made the most of the early movement to torment the Redbacks’ top order.
He trapped Jake Fraser-McGurk on the crease for four and grabbed the key wicket of Jake Lehmann, bowled for 29.
Nathan McSweeney (49 off 92) tried to steady the innings while Nathan McAndrew (40 off 29) provided some late fireworks.
Webster will head west with the Australian team on Sunday, hoping there is room for him in the first Test XI.
He’s made four 50s in 12 innings in his seven Tests, often arriving in tricky situations, while taking eight wickets at an average of 23.
But he could be squeezed out if selectors opt to shift Cameron Green to No.6, debut opener Jake Weatherald and reinstall Marnus Labuschagne at No.3.
AAP
