Bushrangers strike early
Wed, 10 March 2010
Tasmania is 3-46 at lunch on the opening day of the Sheffield Shield match against Victoria at the MCG. Stand-in Tasmanian skipper Tim Paine, deputising for George Bailey who was called up on Tuesday for ODI duty, won the toss and elected to bat in overcast, bowler-friendly conditions. Paine's hand would have been forced to an extent by the selection of two spinners - Jason Krejza and Xavier Doherty - in the Tassie line-up. Having to bowl first would certainly have suited the Vics who are chasing an outright win to be guaranteed of hosting next week's Sheffield Shield final against Queensland. Openers Jonathan Wells and Ed Cowan started safely enough before Cowan, on 10, had a sudden rush of blood. The 27-year-old swished at Darren Pattison delivery that was too short and wide to pull and succeeded only in getting a bottom edge which carried safely to 'keeper Matthew Wade. From 1-12, the visitors slipped to 2-15 when Wade combined with Damien Wright to remove Alex Doolan for a duck. Rhett Lockyear became Wright's second victim for the session when he thick-edged low to Michael Hussey at second slip. While they can't qualify for the Shield final, the visitors have a special incentive to do well for veteran all-rounder Dan Marsh who has announced that this match will be his last in a first-class career that's spanned 17 seasons. Marsh was unbeaten at lunch on five along with Wells on 20. The start of play was delayed by 15 minutes because of morning drizzle and a passing shower caused a 20-minute holdup in the middle of the session. Further showers are forecast for the afternoon with a top temperate of 21 degrees. Lloyd Mash is carrying the drinks for the Bushrangers while Adam Maher is Tasmania's 12th man. Tasmania innings Wells not out 20 (73) Cowan c Wade b Pattinson 10 (15) Doolan c Wade by Wright 0 (12) Lockyear c Hussey b Wright 10 (12) Marsh not out 5 (21) Extras: 1 (1nb) Total: 46 (3 wickets, 22 overs) FOW: 1-12, 2-15, 3-32 Bowling Wright 11 - 4 - 24 - 2 Pattinson 8 - 1 - 16 - 1 (1nb) McDonald 3 - 0 - 6 - 0
Angus Morgan at the MCG, Sportal
