South Australian centurion Jake Lehmann says it’s futile to ignore it.
But Lehmann also says there’s no point dwelling on Friday perhaps heralding the end of SA’s 29-year Sheffield Shield drought.
SA’s cricketers arrive for the third day of the Shield final against Queensland in a position of power.
The Bulls resume at 3-177 in their second innings, only one run ahead of SA.
Queensland were bowled out for 95 in their first dig before Lehmann’s stellar 102 steered SA to 271 all out in reply.
“To rock up and perform in a final when there was a little bit of pressure on … it’s just awesome,” Lehmann said after his third Shield ton in as many games.
Lehmann’s father, SA legend Darren Lehmann, featured in the state’s last Shield victory in 1995/96.
And Friday’s crowd at Karen Rolton Oval on Adelaide’s city fringe is sure to swell in expectation of SA finally capturing the Shield again.
Lehmann said there was no harm in recognising SA’s strong position.
“The one thing we have done is acknowledge the position we have been in and the ability to win games,” he said.
“You know, acknowledging we’re in a good position is OK – and then just focusing on each and every ball after that.
“So we haven’t not talked about the prize at the end of the game .. we also have, from then, acknowledged that and moved on and focused on each and every delivery.”
Lehmann forecast the second new ball, due about 10 overs into Friday’s play, could prove decisive.
“On day one there was probably a little bit more moisture through the middle of the wicket … it was quite hard to find rhythm (as a batsman),” he said.
“And then obviously it slightly flattened down, the ball is probably more consistently coming through.
“So it will be … find a way with the new ball tomorrow to hopefully get a couple of more wickets and then go from there.”
Content Source: www.perthnow.com.au