Inglis, Short fire for Shield tons amid triple-header

AGGRESSIVE hundreds from Josh Inglis and Matt Short put their respective sides in strong positions yesterday, as three games of Sheffield Shield cricket played out simultaneously. Inglis’ ton steered Western Australia to a first innings total of 300, while Short again looked a class above for Victoria to help set up an ongoing lead of 340 runs heading into day three.

Having been sent in to bat by Tasmania at Blundstone Arena, Inglis’ Warriors posted a strong first-up score and even snuck in the wicket of Caleb Jewell late on day one, leaving the Tigers 1-5 in response. Hilton Cartwright (56) and Sam Whiteman (40) contributed among WA’s top order, while Jackson Bird (4-51) proved evergreen with the ball as keeper Tim Paine and Jordan Silk lit up the field.

Nightwatchman Nathan Ellis (1) will resume alongside opener Tim Ward (3) on day two, with Tasmania needing to turn things around in a big way to not only stand a chance of winning, but to also keep its hopes of a final berth alive.

Matt Short brought up his maiden first class century | Image Credit: Getty Images

Meanwhile, over at Junction Oval, Victoria has its foot on the throat of South Australia thanks to a collective 189 runs from Short. The in-form allrounder posted a counterattacking 70 as his side chalked up 169 on Monday, before skittling the Redbacks for 114.

Short’s maiden first class century followed on day two, and Victoria now leads by 340 runs heading into the third day. Things weren’t all smooth sailing for the hosts though, as returnee Glenn Maxwell was again dismissed cheaply before being struck on the wrist while fielding. The Vics’ tail is wagging nonetheless, with bowlers Mitchell Perry (29) and Fergus O’Neill (23) unbeaten at the crease.

In the face of Victoria extending its lead, South Australian debutant Spencer Johnson claimed 5-72 to spearhead the Redbacks’ attack. His five-for backed up that of fellow quick Wes Agar on day one, but SA remains well behind the game.

New South Wales and Queensland are also locking horns in the red ball format, with the Blues posting 9-311 on day one at the Gabba. Gloveman Matthew Gilkes impressed with a career-high 94, just falling short of his maiden Shield ton, while Chris Green chimed in with a handy 52 at number nine.

SCORECARDS

VICTORIA vs. SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Victoria (169 & 8-285) leads South Australia (114) by 340 runs at stumps on day two.

TASMANIA vs. WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Tasmania (1-5) trails Western Australia (300) by 295 runs at stumps on day one.

QUEENSLAND vs. NEW SOUTH WALES

New South Wales remains 9-311 at stumps on day one.

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