Vics fight back against SA

Half-centuries by David Hussey and Andrew McDonald have helped Victoria battle to 5-244 at stumps on the first day of their Pura Cup clash against South Australia in Adelaide today.

After the Bushrangers were reeling at 4-122 during the afternoon session, the pair added 107 for the fifth wicket to hoist the visitors out of trouble by the close of play.

McDonald guided his way to an unconquered 58, while Hussey blasted two sixes in compiling 65, before hauling out late in the day.

Keeper Adam Crosthwaite is the other unbeaten batsman on 10.

After winning the toss and batting first on a greenish pitch, openers Lloyd Mash and Nick Jewell added 56 for the first wicket in a partnership built on the back of some fortunately stroke-play.

Mash (23) fell in the day’s first over of spin in what turned out to be Victoria’s only scalp in a steady opening session, moving to 1-73 at lunch.

Frustration led to Brad Hodge’s departure for 18 at 2-88, while Jewell (43) was superbly caught one-handed by bowler Paul Rofe two runs later.

South Australia’s valiant post-lunch response continued when Cameron White (14) was caught, attempting to hook, at fine leg by Rofe off Jason Gillespie at 4-122, before McDonald and Hussey took control.

Cullen Bailey picked up two scalps to inevitably be the day’s most productive bowler, while Rofe (1-40) and Gillespie (1-36) conceded less than two-per-over in highly economical efforts.

Victoria - First Innings
L MASH c Manou b Bailey 23
N JEWELL c & b Rofe 43
B HODGE c Tait b Lehmann 18
D HUSSEY c Cosgrove b Bailey 65
C WHITE c Rofe b Gillespie 14
A McDONALD not out 58
A CROSTHWAITE not out 10

Sundries (3b, 2lb, 6nb, 2wd) 13
Total (for 5 wickets) 244

Fall: 1-56, 2-88, 3-90, 4-122, 5-229

Bowling: S Tait 18-0-54-0 (5nb), J Gillespie 19-4-36-1 (1nb, 1wd), P Rofe 21-6-40-1 (1wd), C Bailey 27-7-76-2, D Lehmann 11-1-33-1.

Innings time: 374 mins. Overs: 96

12th Men: D Harris (SA), C McKay (Vic)
Toss: Victoria
Umpires: S Fry, P Parker
Venue: Adelaide Oval

Stumps Day One

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