South Australia 262 for 8 (McSweeney 64, Bird 3-52) vs new South Wales
South Australia’s late defeat on the first day appears to have put New South Wales in control of the Sheffield Shield clash at the Adelaide Oval.
The Redbacks were looking stable at 223 for 5, but lost 3 for 4 in the final session on Sunday. Wes Agar’s late cameo helped the hosts stop the bleeding and ensured they would start the second day at the crease.
Experienced quick Chris Tremain started the collapse with a short ball that sent Harry Neilson past wicketkeeper Matthew Gilkes, ending the last partnership of the recognized batsmen.
Slow and steady, McSweeney had the innings going, but things threatened to get out of control very quickly when Tremain dismissed Ben Manenti just four balls after McSweeney’s departure.
Paceman Agar helped South Australia get back on their feet by hitting two fours and a six.
NSW batsman Moises Henriques broke two solid partnerships while bowling on the first day after winning the toss. He bowled Henry Hunt just before lunch as he broke a 46-run partnership with Daniel Drew.
Henriques then broke McSweeney’s 51-run partnership with Jake Lehmann, whose pull shot went past Ryan Hackney at square leg.
Bird took 3 wickets for 52 runs, with Drew and Kelvin Smith taking catches off his bowling.
In his first innings after scoring a record-breaking century from 29 balls, Fraser-McGurk threatened to carry the momentum for South Australia by scoring 25 runs from 18 balls.
But he hit debutant Jack Nisbett off Chris Green two overs before tea as soon as he caught his eye.