Alex Carey and Nathan McSweeney led South Australia’s resilient comeback on day four of their Sheffield Shield clash against New South Wales.
After an early collapse left South Australia in deep trouble on day four leaving the team reeling at 4-23, the pair steadied the ship with a brilliant 182-run partnership, lifting South Australia to 5-307 by the end of the day.
Following a first innings score of 90, Carey played a pivotal role with a crucial 111 from 158 balls, the backbone of the fightback. Captain McSweeney continued his excellent form with an unbeaten 127* from 283 balls, the pair leading the fightback as they looked to save the game.
After Carey was out late to Tanveer Sangha, Daniel Drew joined McSweeney at the crease with a cool head and steely resolve to help guide South Australia to a match saving draw.
Despite Carey's quickfire 90 in the first innings, South Australia collapsed to 227 all out, handing NSW a significant 139-run lead.
Nathan Lyon’s 4-45 for NSW caused havoc, and the South Australian lower order crumbled in response. Lyon’s mastery over the rough left South Australia struggling to build any momentum in the first innings.
Lloyd Pope took 3-69 in the first innings and 2-84 in the second showing his ability as a wicket taker whilst Jordan Buckingham also with 5 wickets for the game toiled hard with some quality bursts of high-octane output.
South Australia’s next Sheffield Shield match is against Queensland at Allan Border Field, starting on October 20th. Selection will once again be difficult with plenty of quality performances in the 2nd XI including an outstanding 173 innings from Jake Lehmann and a second innings 5 fa to fast bowler Wes Agar.