Dev XI v Aus 'A' - Devs impress
A bright sunny day graced the launching of the development league at Hobart today. Celebrities such as Devil Ducky, Asoka DeSilva, John Ritter and JLO were spotted cheering on proceedings. Cricket stars as Cloete, Anthony McGrath and of course Ajit Agarkar also graced the historic occasion. The star attraction of course was the thrilling dual between the CW Development Team and the mighty Australia 'A' team. The day began on a happy note for the Devs as Marc71178 was not included in the starting XI.
The Toss:
The coin was flipped and both captains forgot to call. The umpires conversed and it was eventually decided to award the toss to JLO. However, after a strong appeal from Greg Blewett on the grounds of 'ignorance' the decision was overturned and the Aussies awarded the choice. They promptly sent the Dev XI in to bat.
The Game:
The game was off to an impressive start as Paid the Umpire smashed a good length delivery from Noffke out to boundary to start the contest. Play was then halted for 10 minutes as 12th man Marc71178 ran onto the field to collect the half empty bottle of Heineken which Paid had drunkenly carried onto the field of play in his back pocket.
Play resumed and the crowd was entertained by some scintillating strokeplay from Dev captain Andre, who posted the first 50 of the tourney. He was eventually bowled by a beauty from Hauritz, but and from there on, with some big hitting from the Umpire Money and solid support from Supah Freak, the Devs managed to reach the very respectable total of 319.
The Aussies batted and, after the early fall of Hussey, dominated taking the total 188/1 in 45 overs before Elliott was removed for 93. The innings then proceeded to collapse somewhat as the Australia 'A' closed on 309 all out. Hoggy snared 6/69 with a persistent spell of accuracy and swing.
A more solid batting performance from the Devs a second time around as Paid scored a classy 79 and Andre added to his first innings success with a hard fought 66. When Neil Pickup was bowled all over the place (after dragging on a ball which pitched 5 feet wide of the pitch) the score was 383 and Aus 'A' then needed 394 runs in 51 overs to pull off victory.
Indeed, the target was never likely to be reached and indeed it took a stroke filled hundred from first innings star, Elliott to save his team from defeat as the 5th day closed with the Australians on 206/7 still 188 runs behind.
The Award Ceremony:
Matthew Elliott was named Man of the Match.
Greg Blewett's statement on the state of the match at the close: "We blame the French.....and whoever sent those pies to our dressing room before the game. 'Secret admirer' my foot :P."
Summary:
Dev XI 319 (Andre 78; White 3/43)
Aus 'A' 309 (Elliott 93; Hoggy 6/69)
Dev XI 383 (Paid 79; Noffke 3/74)
Aus 'A' 206/7 (Elliott 100; Pickup 4/40)
Result: Match Drawn
JK....everyone has a legit chance of selection.