South Australia’s batsmen know what’s coming when they chase 270 runs to win the Sheffield Shield for the first time in 29 years.
“We know they’re going to come hard – it’s the Queensland way,” SA vice-captain Ben Manenti said.
Queensland were down and almost out on Friday’s third day of the Shield final in Adelaide when 45 runs ahead with only four second-innings wickets remaining.
But centuries to Jack Wildermuth (111 from 140 balls) and Jack Clayton (100 from 249), plus No.9 Mark Steketee’s 51, triggered a stunning turnaround.
After being bowled out for 95 in their first innings, and SA replying with 271 all out, the Bulls mustered 445 in their second dig – a lead of 269 runs.
The highest run chase to win a Shield final is Victoria’s 2-239 against NSW in 1990/91.
“It’s a Shield final. It was never going to be all over in two days and us have the chockies,” Manenti said.
“It was always going to be a grind. There’s always a twist and a turn, especially in the final.”
Queensland centurion Clayton described his 33rd first-class match as “one of the craziest Shield games I have ever played in”.
“It has certainly got some ebbs and flows,” Clayton said.
“And I think that’s why we all love four-day cricket, because of the way that the game can swing about in roundabouts really.
“We were pretty proud of the work that we’ve done (on Friday) but by no means are we satisfied or think that we’ve got the job done.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do to hopefully hold up the Shield at the end of the day.”
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