Queensland batsman Jack Clayton, not NSW opener Sam Konstas, was the headline act at the Gabba on Saturday.
Watch India vs England T20I & ODI Series LIVE on Kayo | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.
Much had been made of Konstas’ early return from Australia’s Test tour of Sri Lanka, where he wasn’t playing, to allow him to line-up for NSW against the Bulls in the Sheffield Shield.
However, with NSW captain Jack Edwards electing to send the hosts into bat after winning the toss, Konstas didn’t get the chance to put his pads, with the Bulls batting all day to be 5-307 at stumps.
Clayton was the star for Queensland, notching his fourth first-class century in scoring an unbeaten 133 off 249 balls.
He received good support from Lachlan Hearne (63) and wicket-keeper Jimmy Peirson (36).
“It’s nice to get the team in a decent position,” said Clayton, who was dropped at first slip by Ollie Davies when he was on 98.
“It’s probably been a bit frustrating. I’ve left a few runs out there in the first part of the season … so to capitalise, with a little bit of luck in there, was really nice.”
Elsewher, Victoria’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss in its clash against Tasmania at Bellerive Oval paid dividends, with the Tigers dismissed for 236 in 86.1 overs.
Four Victorian bowlers – Fergus O’Neill, Peter Siddle, Sam Elliott and skipper Will Sutherland – each took two wickets, with the Tigers also falling victims twice to run outs.
All-rounder Aidan O’Connor top-scored for the hosts with 53 to ensure the Tasmanians made it past 200 after having been reduced to 8-177 in the 73rd over.
In reply, Victoria was 0-5 at stumps.
Meanwhile, in Perth, it was a wild day’s play with 20 wickets falling as Shield leaders South Australia also made the most of its decision to send Western Australia into bat, ripping through the hosts, who were bowled out for just 120.
All-rounder Liam Scott was the pick of the bowlers for the visitors, taking 3-10 off 8.4 overs.
Paceman Jordan Buckingham also took three wickets for the visitors as the Western Australians showed little resistance, apart from opener Sam Fanning, who top-scored with 49 off 94 balls.
The defending champions clawed their way back into the contest, taking nine wickets in the final session of the day to knock over South Australia for 124.
Jason Sangha top-scored with 45 as quick Brody Couch did the bulk of the damage with 4-33 off 9 overs.
Off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli was also excellent with 3-10 off 6 overs.
Discussion about this post