Wright credits conditions
Wed, 10 March 2010
A modest Damien Wright credits the conditions for helping him to another five-wicket haul for the Bushrangers in what's proving to be a most productive late summer for the 34-year-old. Wright snared 5-49 against Tasmania which was held to 222 on the opening day of their Shield match at the MCG. Openers Nick Jewell and second-gamer Michael Hill safely negotiated a fiery three-over spell to have the Vics 0-4 in reply at stumps. Wright, who missed the early part of the season with a hamstring strain, believes the Vics are well-placed to secure the outright win they need to guarantee a home Shield final against Queensland. Since returning to the Shield line-up after Christmas, Wright has claimed 30 wickets at 14.76 in five matches. "There was a little bit in it with the new ball this morning, but you still had to put the ball in the right areas to get the rewards and we were lucky to do that," said Wright. "Traditionally day two is a pretty good wicket here and we're hoping that continues tomorrow but the best time to bowl was today, there's no doubt about that." "We're in a comfortable position ... but we're going to have to bat well tomorrow because there's certainly a little bit in the wicket with the new ball and (Tim) Macdonald and (Adam) Griffith and (Brendan) Drew are good bowlers." Wright said he was surprised when Tasmanian stand-in skipper Tim Paine, who top-scored for the Tigers with a hard-fought 69, opted to bat in bowler-friendly conditions after winning the toss. But, on reflection, Wright conceded that with two spinners (Jason Krejza and Xavier Doherty) in the Tassie line-up, Paine had little choice. "We probably would have liked to have knocked them over for under 200 but Timmy Paine played pretty well," he said. "The tail wagged a little bit on us, we're having a few problems with that, but they didn't get too far away from us." Wright said the Bushrangers have their fingers crossed that Darren Pattinson is fit to bowl in the second innings. Pattinson aggravated a calf injury mid-way through the day on Wednesday and spent the final session in the rooms being treated. "We lost Darren there through the middle which was unfortunate, but we hope that he's going to be OK but it was a big effort from all the guys," said Wright.
Angus Morgan, Sportal
