South Australia scored 359 for 4 on the opening day against Queensland at Karen Rolton Oval, largely due to Conor McInerney’s maiden first-class century of 142 runs from 222 balls. McInerney, who had a previous average of just 20.34, hit 23 boundaries and formed notable partnerships, including 132 with Nathan McSweeney (41) and 85 with Jason Sangha (67). Queensland’s bowling struggled, with Alex Carey contributing an unbeaten 46 runs. The result is crucial for Queensland, who are vying for a Sheffield Shield final spot, but they need to take more wickets quickly to earn bonus points.
South Australia 359 for 4 (McInerney 142, Sangha 67, Carey 46*) vs Queensland
At 30, McInerney came into this match with an average of just 20.34 across 47 first-class innings, with a previous best of 75, after scoring 0 and 1 against Victoria last week. However, he unleashed an impressive 23 boundaries on a good batting surface after his captain Nathan McSweeney opted to bat first, a rare decision in Shield cricket.
McInerney brought up his half-century in just 75 balls, capitalizing on some erratic bowling. He was particularly aggressive square of the wicket and showed dominance against Mitchell Swepson’s legspin. He celebrated his century with a well-timed drive off a full toss from Matt Renshaw through mid-on for a boundary. Following this, Queensland’s seamers, including Michael Neser, continued to bowl short, enabling him to execute some fantastic pulls and uppercuts.
After the early loss of his opening partner Henry Hunt, he forged a partnership of 132 runs with McSweeney, who played a solid innings of 41 before top edging a pull shot to midwicket.
Additionally, he built a partnership of 85 runs with Sangha, who seemed poised for a significant score against a weary Queensland attack. However, Neser struck with a remarkable wobble-seam delivery with the new ball, squeezing one back into Sangha’s front pad and trapping him lbw.
South Australia’s batting remained relentless, with Alex Carey continuing his exceptional form from the Test tour of Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy. He raced to 46 not out off 50 balls by the end of play, featuring four fours and a six. He combined with Jake Lehmann for a rapid unbeaten 53-run partnership, with Lehmann finishing the day on 27 not out from 31 balls, following his match-winning unbeaten century against Victoria last Sunday.
Tomorrow, Queensland will have just seven overs to add to their four wickets, with crucial bonus points available for wickets taken during the first 100 overs of each innings.