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WA clean-up SA to win Shield clash

3 minute read

Western Australia captured five last-session wickets to claim an outright win against South Australia in their Sheffield Shield match.

TRAVIS HEAD of South Australia looks on while fielding in a Sheffield Shield match at WACA in Perth, Australia.
TRAVIS HEAD of South Australia looks on while fielding in a Sheffield Shield match at WACA in Perth, Australia. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Western Australia left it late but made it count, cleaning up South Australia in the final session for an outright Sheffield Shield win in Adelaide.

The visitors were the superior side for long periods of the match but the 205-run victory wasn't confirmed until well into the last hour of play.

At 6-169 and with Liam Scott (34) and Nick Winter (4) digging in at Karen Ralton Oval, a draw looked possible but the home side lost 4-8 to hand over the match at 6.11pm local time.

South Australia dropped anchor in a dour final session but after Winter was caught by Sam Whiteman off the bowling of Ashton Turner (1-9), the end came quickly.

WA had declared at 2-215 (Shaun Marsh 110 not out) to start the day, setting SA the unlikely target of 382 to win.

Wickets fell at regular intervals for SA with first innings centurion Jake Weatherald (36) and Travis Head (54) providing the most starch.

The wickets were shared among six WA bowlers with Joel Paris (2-10) and Matthew Kelly (2-34) the pick.

Ashton Agar took 1-46 from 27 overs, adding to a superb all-round match after scoring 114 not out and taking 5-103 in South Australia's first innings.

"He looked really dangerous, especially to the right handers," captain Marsh said of Agar.

"I thought he had a fantastic game ... and to back that up with the ball the way he did was fantastic.

"I think Ash really jumped at the opportunity when we said he was going to bat at No.6 and he batted beautifully."

SA captain Head said the match was lost when his side didn't kick on from 1-180 in their first innings.

"To lose 20 wickets on a wicket where we were only able to take seven ... I guess we've got some work to do on both sides of our game," he said.

WA are expected to get a much sterner test in Adelaide starting Monday, when they take on defending champions NSW.

The Blues will likely feature Test stars Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon for the clash.

Meanwhile SA will take on fellow first-up losers Tasmania starting the same day.

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