Redbacks’ new faces fire in one-day opener

| September 26, 2022

South Australia’s new-look bowling line-up has delivered in style to pick up a comfortable 62-run one-day domestic Cup opening round win over Queensland.

Last season’s strugglers bowled out Queensland for 217 off 46.5 overs at Allan Border Field having been sent into bat and posting 8-278.

Henry Thornton enjoyed the best return with 3-55 but it was a strong all-round display from the Redbacks attack who tied down the home side during the middle part of the innings.

Thornton, along with former NSW paceman Harry Conway and offspinner Ben Manenti, all debuted for SA, with Joe Mennie, Daniel Worrall and Kane Richardson departing since last summer.

Sam Truloff top-scored for Queensland with 49 but found himself tied down for long periods, while former opener Matt Renshaw contributed a quickfire 43 coming in at No.5.

Conway picked up 2-37 from 8.5 overs, Wes Agar was frugal throughout for 1-30 from his 10 overs, while Manenti also impressed with 2-37 from his allotted overs.

It was some debut from Manenti, who previously had a single one-day Cup match with Tasmania to his credit.

Manenti, the son of Australia’s women’s world champion rugby sevens coach John Manenti, also top-scored with a rapid-fire 60 from 45 balls.

In concert with Nathan McAndrew (55 from 42), Manenti helped add a decisive partnership of 108 for the seventh wicket and change the momentum of the contest.

Last year’s Sheffield Shield wooden spooners were reeling at 4-136 and 6-148 with their recognised batsman all back in the pavilion.

But McAndrew and Manenti scored at better than a run a ball to find the kind of momentum that was missing from Queensland’s effort with the bat under lights.

South Australia’s key batters all found a way to get out just as they look settled.

Opener Jake Weatherald made 37, Alex Carey posted 20 and captain Travis Head looked set for a big score before he was stumped off the bowling of part-time spinner Renshaw for 47.

Renshaw, after working on his bowling during the winter, picked up 2-30 while newly capped Test legspinner Mitch Swepson impressed with 2-42.