Why the hell did Tasmania declare? Their only realistic chance of winning was to get a first innings lead.
77 needed with 18 overs remaining. Thoughts on the logic now?I'm really perplexed at Tasmania's declaration. There are no bonus points after the first innings so all that declaring does is give SA a shot at winning. There is no advantage at all possible for Tasmania. And Doolan didn't get a shot at the double ton.
It's still a bad call. They are likely to be dismissed and lose. They should have batted SA out of the match and bowled to them on a deteriorating wicket.77 needed with 18 overs remaining. Thoughts on the logic now?
The first innings declaration did that. Monumentally bad. It let SA dictate the game that they wanted to play.tasmania have really stuffed this run chase up.
wade's reverse sweep dismissal by cooper was totally unneccessary and has most likely cost us a win.
Tassie were still 145 runs behind. They were going to bat both teams out of a chance to win in almost all scenarios if they batted on.It's still a bad call. They are likely to be dismissed and lose. They should have batted SA out of the match and bowled to them on a deteriorating wicket.
It's easier to make runs on day 3 than day 4. They had a set batsman on 170 and five wickets in hand. As you say, SA were desperate to win. Declaring so far behind basically does nothing except give SA a shot at winning. I'd much rather finish with a meagre lead and put the pressure on SA not to choke in the last two sessions. As it was, Tassie were lucky to escape.Tassie were still 145 runs behind. They were going to bat both teams out of a chance to win in almost all scenarios if they batted on.
SA are so desperate to win, it was obvious they'd declare and set a chaseable target.
That's true to an extent, but it's also a competition and while it remains that way, you cant' really blame sides for wanting to have a crack at winning games can you?Fair enough. It's probably a failing if the rules which gives a disproportionately large number of points for the win vs a draw. Personally I think the shield should be about preparing players for tests rather than entertainment. Grinding out draws is better preparation for that than arbitrary run chases.
The result feels hollow if it's contrived. It's a metagame being played, not cricket.