Holland has SA on ropes

JON Holland returned career-best figures to leave Victoria on track for three consecutive titles for the first time after day three of the Sheffield Shield final against South Australia in Alice Springs.

The left-arm orthodox spinner swept through the SA top-order to claim 7-82 as South Australia were bowled out for 287, leaving a near-insurmountable first innings deficit of 200.

Victoria declined to enforce the follow-on and batted for 15 overs at the end of the day to reach 2-38 at the close.

First-innings centurymaker Marcus Harris fell to the bowling of Chadd Sayers for a quick-fire 21, and Rob Quiney soon followed to Daniel Worrall without scoring. Travis Dean (12 not out) and nightwatchman Chris Tremain (3) were still standing at the close.

South Australia’s plight could have been far worse and, after starting the day at 1-19, the Redbacks found themselves on the brink at 6-121.

Opener Jake Weatherald anchored the innings only to be sixth man out for 60, before ever-reliable wicketkeeper Alex Carey assumed the role down the order for a well-made 57.

There were also lowerorder contributions from Joe Mennie (36) and Adam Zampa (31).

Victorian pace spearhead James Pattinson (2-47) collected the important wicket of Tom Cooper but it was Holland who stole the show.

After an eight-wicket haul against SA in last year’s final, Holland made the most of a Traeger Park pitch that has started to offer some assistance for the spinners.

There was contention, however, with Holland’s lbw dismissal of Travis Head, with replays proving the decision was incorrect – much to the audible displeasure of the SA captain upon his viewing of the replay.