new DElhi, Nov 28
Wicketkeeper Sam Harper dragged Victoria out of early trouble with an extraordinary Sheffield Shield century against South Australia. Forced to bat first after losing the toss on Tuesday, Victoria crumbled to 29 for 4 in tricky, overcast batting conditions at the Adelaide Oval.
But as batting became slightly easier, Harper, who was given a life on 3 when caught at slip off a no-ball, launched an aggressive rearguard assault to help Victoria reach 187 for 5 by stumps. It was Harper’s third first-class century in his 44th game, bringing up the milestone from 64 balls with a huge six over deep midwicket in a knock that included six sixes and was the third-fastest in Sheffield Shield history.
His innings included 26 off an over from Nathan McAndrew as he moved from 61 to 87 with three sixes and two fours. The 26-year-old will resume on Wednesday unbeaten on 101 after combining with Campbell Kellaway for a 120-run partnership.
Just 43 overs on Tuesday were bowled as rain and a wet outfield delayed play significantly.
The most controversial moment of the match, and possibly the season, came when star Victoria batter Peter Handscomb refused to leave the crease after being caught by Redbacks captain Jake Lehmann in the slips.
Handscomb edged a ball off Brendan Doggett’s bowling but the 32-year-old seemed uncertain Lehmann had correctly held the catch. After a discussion with the umpires he finally walked off, dismissed for 7.
Doggett claimed 2 for 45 but it was Wes Agar who did the bulk of the damage by ripping through openers Travis Dean and Test aspirant Marcus Harris to have Victoria reeling at 4 for 2.
The teams are ranked third and fourth on the ladder, making it a crunch final match before the Shield pauses for a long break until February during the Big Bash League window.
