Marsh Sheffield Shield 2022/23 Day Four: Redbacks v Victoria – Result: Draw

Opening batter Henry Hunt has defied the odds to bat through the final day to lead the West End Redbacks to a fighting draw against Victoria in their opening Marsh Sheffield Shield clash of the summer.

In the middle for every delivery of South Australia’s second innings, Hunt finished unbeaten on 97; runs the determined 25-year-old accrued from a remarkable 326 balls faced. The right-hander was immovable as he produced a knock that wrestled points seemingly destined for the visitors, changing the complexion of the game with his rock solid defence and unflappable temperament.

 

Key Match Analysis -

 

- South Australia began the final day with ten wickets in hand and 388 runs required for victory.

- Jake Weatherald notched a half-century but was removed by Scott Boland shortly after. 

- The middle order then struggled to provide long-term support for Hunt, with Boland, debutant Fergus O’Neil, Jon Holland and Mitchell Perry all claiming wickets. 

- Wes Agar was the first to deliver some strong resistance, facing 56 deliveries in a 25-over partnership with Hunt before being run out looking to rotate the strike.

- David Grant then joined Hunt and displayed his sound defensive technique to see it through to the end, facing 45 deliveries without scoring a run.

- Hunt was undoubtably the star however – carrying his bat to ensure South Australia shared the spoils with Victoria.  

Speaking post play, Hunt credited Victoria for their efforts, as well as his batting partners late in the day.

“Victoria were pretty relentless and ruthless with their bowling; they were all very good with the new ball and got some reverse swing with the new ball.

“We came today optimistic about getting a win if we could start the day positively and put them under pressure. It was always going to be tough though when we had lost a few by lunch. Then losing wickets after lunch it made it clear we would need to shut the game up.

“Granty and I said if we could get a single in the first three balls, we would rotate the strike, but if you couldn’t in the first three then take the over out and share it. Granty and Wes were really good; they batted really well to bat out the draw.”

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