Redbacks rain on George’s farewell
SOUTH Australia have crashed George Bailey’s farewell party on its way to breaking an astonishing drought, as the visitors claimed a six-wicket win over Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield match at Blundstone Arena.
The Tigers were looking to send off Bailey in style, with him ending his 15-year first class career with Tasmania to take up his new role as the Australia’s national selector.
The home side went into the final day in a strong position of 6-241, with a 149-run second innings lead.
However the start of the final day belonged to South Australia, as the visitors made light work of the Tigers’ tail, taking the last four wickets for only 18 runs.
Wes Agar (5-53), who claimed his maiden first class five wicket haul, and Chadd Sayers (3-57) did the damage bowling the Tigers out for 261, meaning South Australia required 170 runs to win.
The chase didn’t start well, with the Redbacks struggling at 4-34 thanks to Gabe Bell (2-32) and Riley Meredith (2-38) causing havoc with the new ball. Will Bosisto (47 not out from 132) and Harry Nielsen (86 not out from 109) steadied the ship before lunch and ended up putting on 136 for the fifth wicket to see South Australia over the line.
The win is not only South Australia’s first for this Shield season but breaks an 18-game losing drought, which goes back to last year.
Bailey was disappointed his first class career couldn’t end with a win but he sees promise in the side he is now departing.
“Our best is really good but we just aren’t consistent enough with bat or ball just yet,” Bailey said. “I thought the way we responded with the ball after we weren’t particularly happy with how we bowled in the first innings was pleasing.
“Gabe Bell and Riley Meredith in particular, so that is always good to see that guys can turn things around really quickly.
“I have been excited about our young batting group for awhile and we are starting to see Ben McDermott and Jake Doran and the like start to perform.
“I’ve loved playing the last couple of games with Mac Wright, I think he is a great character and a great person, who can hopefully have a really good career.”