SA blast out Victoria, claim back-to-back Shield titles
Roger Vaughan |
South Australia have rifled through Victoria’s lower order to win the Sheffield Shield final and claim back-to-back titles for the first time.
Needing 196 to win, the home side resumed at 5-102 on day five at Junction Oval and were bowled out for 139, giving SA victory by 56 runs.
There was controversy on the fifth and final day, with key Victorian batter Oliver Peake given out when Test keeper Alex Carey took a sharp diving catch off Liam Scott’s bowling.
Side-on TV footage appeared to show Scott’s delivery was a front-foot no ball, but the non-striker batter partially obscured the delivery stride.
Peake only made four and his dismissal was a critical blow to Victoria, who had dominated the season and were strong favourites to claim their first title since 2018-19.
Scott, the Shield player of the year, snared 3-32 as Victoria lost their last five wickets for just 27. Henry Thornton took 3-12, including the last two wickets, and Nathan McAndrew claimed 3-50
Carey set up the win on day four with his 103, after also scoring a ton in last year’s final.
McAndrew was named player of the match for his second-innings 60 and six wickets.
His eighth-wicket partnership of 105 with Carey decisively turned an absorbing final, which was full of plot twists.
When McAndrew came to the crease, Test paceman Scott Boland was on a hat-trick and SA were reeling at 7-122.
It looked like the game might not survive through the early afternoon on Sunday.
Instead, the visitors took control and Victoria lost their last seven wickets for 37.
The Vics started the final morning well, taking 10 runs off the target, before nightwatchmen Mitch Perry and Nathan Murphy were dismissed in successive overs.
Then Peake lost his wicket and once captain Will Sutherland was caught by Ben Manenti at first slip off Thornton, Victoria’s hopes were shot.
Thornton bowled Fergus O’Neill to complete the triumph.
SA only secured second spot to make the final in the last game of the regular season.
“We really had to dig deep. The ability for us to stay in the game is incredible and to win two in a row with this group is super-special,” SA captain Nathan McSweeney said.
“It makes it even better when we’re all such good mates off the field. I couldn’t be prouder or luckier to captain such great cricketers and even better blokes.”
AAP