South Australia 257 for 8 (Kelly 54, McSweeney 53, Manenti 50*) vs New South Wales
Both South Australia and New South Wales were left somewhat content but not entirely so after the initial day of their Sheffield Shield match in Sydney was uneven.
Early in the day, South Australia held the upper hand at 128 for 2 thanks to fighting strikes from Nathan McSweeney and Thomas Kelly. However, Ben Manenti responded later in the day with an unbeaten fifty.
However, New South Wales responded in kind to limit the harm and preserve their hopes of advancing to the Shield final. McSweeney’s innings came to an end when Daniel Hughes executed an outstanding running capture.
New South Wales are currently positioned fourth on the standings and must defeat both South Australia and Queensland in order to secure a spot in the top two.
The triumph was shared by Chris Tremain, Jack Edwards, Chris Green, and Jack Nisbet in bowling.
“I think everyone bowled very well today, especially the way we started,” Nisbet said. “During the middle overs when there was a partnership, I like the way we really stuck at it. To have them eight down at the end of the day, I think we’ll all be happy with that.”
Kelly felt disillusioned. Despite failing to capitalise on their early promise, South Australia declared the day to have concluded amicably.
“It’s probably a pretty even day – to not get bowled out after being dobbed in,” he said. We were definitely in front there…so to lose a couple is disappointing. The game is definitely in the balance. Hopefully Benny and Spence can push on tomorrow and get us towards 300.”
Kelly, age 23, had a momentous occasion on that day when he scored his inaugural fifty in first class play during his sixth appearance.
“I’ve been in and out [of the side] over the last few years, so it’s nice to finally get a bit of a run of it, and get past that first fifty,” he said. “Hopefully it flows from there.”
For the latest updates and comprehensive coverage on this developing story, visit CricAdvisor – your ultimate cricket companion.
