SHAUN Tait’s encouraging return from a five-month injury hiatus was soured by another loss for South Australia, as Victoria eased to a 16-run victory in the one-day match at Adelaide Oval.
Set 264 to win by the Bushrangers, SA was out for 247 in 49.5 overs, largely due to the fine bowling of paceman Shane Harwood (5-45).
Mark Cosgrove (92) and captain Nathan Adcock (49) had given SA some chance with a bold partnership, but Harwood’s return brought two wickets in an over and turned the game definitively towards the visitors.
Bushrangers leg-spinner Bryce McGain was also influential in claiming 2-40, at times turning the ball vast distances on a dry surface.
Irrespective of the result, Tait – and the national selectors – will be delighted with a return of 3-45 from 10 overs in five short spells, including one wicket with the new ball and two to reverse swinging yorkers with the old.
Fellow paceman Ryan Harris ran through the visitors’ tail to claim 5-57, while spinner Daniel Cullen took 2-44.
SA’s reply began in the worst possible manner when Matthew Elliott drove at Harwood and was taken at second slip for a duck, and when Daniel Harris touched a Mick Lewis delivery that spat savagely it was 2-35.
Cosgrove and Adcock then combined for a productive stand of 121 in 124 balls, with first Cosgrove then his captain taking the lead role.
Adcock was out just short of 50 when he was late on Harwood’s full toss, and next ball Cameron Borgas drove uncertainly to be caught behind for his third duck in as many innings to start the season.
Cosgrove had a determined look about him all innings and appeared destined to guide SA to the win, but in sight of a century he missed a straight half volley from Cameron White and was lbw.
As was likely after their confidence-sapping surrender for 77 in the recent Pura Cup match, the rest fell away, and the Bushrangers were able to leave Adelaide with maximum points from their two games.
Earlier Tait looked encouragingly smooth given his lack of match practice, having played only one club game since elbow surgery in June.
In his second over found a fast outswinger that was too good for Michael Klinger, resulting in an edge to second slip.
Aiden Blizzard (72) showed composure in addition to the shotmaking ability he displayed in the Twenty20 competition last summer.
Once he departed somewhat unluckily lbw to Cullen, White (76) took control, pounding the odd six while working the ball around in partnership with the rest of the Victorian middle.
AAP
Source: foxsports.com.au
