So the third round of the shield is over and the results have been overwhelmed by the pontificating about the test team selections.
NSW now the only undefeated team.
The Bluebaggers have come out on top defeating the Bananabenders comfortably despite not playing their triumvirate of test pacers. Dougeh has got another go this year, while Copers Copeland and Abbott were back and did the job against the Queenslander's top order. Khawaja standing out like beacon, being the only batmen to make runs in both innings Labuschagne made 88 in the second dig but few others put up much of a fight.
The Qld bowlers did well to keep NSW to 271 in the first innings but were let down. Feldman and Neser again their main men. NSW batting consistent with Hughes top score with 98no in the first and being let down by Dougeh being too slow.
The upset of the round was the Croweaters showing batting consistency for the first time in years, getting the win over the Sandgropers after they had scored 514 in the first innings Bancroft batting his way in to the test team with 228no MMarsh back in the runs with 95 and consistent team batting performance. For once the SA pacers had no answer. Sayers Mennie and Worrall all making tons themselves.
At least they were able to put up a decent score themselves with Ol Jake Weatherald making 152 off 160 balls, one 6,out of 363.
In the second innings the old firm,Sayers,Mennie and Worall supported by Richardson got things in order to bundle WA out for 173 and give SA some hope,only the Marsh boys making runs. Weatherald batting a bit more sedately made 143, only to be out 7 runs short of the target. Ferguson made 88 after his big score last game and Joof Lehmann saw them home.While Dalton didnt make a big score he helped get away to a start in both inings
For the Sandgropers injuries to their front line pace bowlers have caused them problems, Moody and Mackin got some wickets but were unable get the win.
Meanwhile the Apple eaters were only denied by rain from defeating the Shield holding Vics. A typical first innings of 172 with Baily scoring 106,61.6% of the runs,was followed by shooting out the Vics for 144 with Harris making 86,59.7%, Christian,35, the only other batsman to make double figures. Bell and Rogers in teh wickets
Then followed the of the biggest shocks of the season so far., Tassie put up 2/424 dec with someone other than Bailey making runs, Doolan top scoring for the season so far with 247, Doran substituting for the concussed Silk making 35, Bailey 59 and of course Paine with 71 no, ( if Wade had been pt up the order would he have held his test spot ?). Vics using 8 bowlers. Vics were in all sorts of trouble at 5/106, needing453 with only Maxwell 45no when rain stopped play.
Bats
NSW Smith 228, Hughes 211
Qld Khawaja 347, Labuschagne 160
SA Weatherald 419, Ferguson 343
WA Bancroft 442, SMarsh 236
Vic Harris 253, Maxwell 200
Tas Doolan 318, Bailey 225
Bancroft and Weatherald the standouts so far Harris having a good start to the year. Khawaja in good form. Can Doolan support Bailey for the rest of the year ? NSW bats are down the list but have been winning low scoring games.
Bowlers
NSW Starc 17, Copeland 10
Qld Neser 15, Feldman 14
SA Sayer14, Mennie 13
WA J.Richardson 15, Mackin 10
Vic Boland 15, Tremain 15
Tas Bell 12, Rainbird 11
Starc still out in front despite not playing this round. The consistent Vics and Croweaters up there again this year.
Who picked Neser to be second on the list ? Well supported by Feldmann. Bell from Tassie doing well
Siddle has 5 @57 so far
Spinners
Fawad (9th on list) 13 @21, Lyon (17th on list) 9@23, Swepson 4@38, Zampa 4@71
After the success of Holland and Sommerville last year the spinners are having a lean year with the exception of Fawad
Keepers
Keepers, (catches, stumpings, runs,byes)
NSW Neville 14/-,80, 23b
Qld Pierson 6/-,42,1b
WA Bancroft 5/-, 442,7b , Inglis 5/-,16, 0b
SA Carey 9/-, 118, 4b
Vic Harper 10/1, 28, 6b, Gotch 3/-,1,0b
Tas Wade 12/-, 38, 13b
Neville had 19 byes in the last game , was there any particular reason for this ?
Tassie played a commendable 8 state-born players in this round.
Next round starts 23/11
NSW v Vic - can the Vics batsmen make some runs ?
SA v Tas - Can the Apple eaters batting continue to support smiling George ?
Qld v WA - Will the Sandgropers pacers make mince meat of the Qld batting ?
