On day one of the Sheffield Shield clash at Adelaide Oval, South Australia (SA) struggled, managing 93 runs with Kieran Elliott’s remarkable 6 for 23. Tasmania then faltered, bowled out for 101, thanks to Brendan Doggett’s impressive 6 for 40, which included early wickets that set the tone for the innings. Only three Tasmanians scored in double figures, with Beau Webster top-scoring at 28. Both teams faced challenges on a pitch favoring seam movement, and despite SA’s initial collapse, Doggett’s bowling helped secure a narrow lead for SA by 16 runs.
South Australia 93 (Elliott 6-23) and 24 for lead Tasmania 101 (Doggett 6-40) by 16 runs
Doggett then dismantled Tasmania, claiming figures of 6 for 40 as the visitors tumbled to 101 all out. He took five of the first six Tasmania wickets on a pitch offering significant seam movement.
Doggett commenced his wicket-taking spree by dismissing former SA opener Jake Weatherald for a golden duck, as the left-hander edged the ball to wicketkeeper Harry Nielsen. Two more batters fell in the same manner before the end of the fourth over, with Tim Ward and Jordan Silk also caught behind off a fiery Doggett.
Liam Scott contributed by taking the wicket of Doran, whose pulled short delivery was caught spectacularly by Lloyd Pope at midwicket.
Doggett reemerged to claim two more wickets in succession, including Hobart Hurricanes’ BBL star Mitchell Owen, who was dismissed for a second-ball duck.
Webster attempted a counter-offensive before legspinner Pope efficiently wrapped up the tail, ensuring the opening day ended in a draw of honors.
Earlier, SA’s batsmen were undone by the precise seam bowling of Elliott and Gabe Bell. Elliott finished with 6 for 23, marking his best first-class return, following his impressive 10-wicket haul against Victoria in the previous match.
SA suffered a collapse of 7 for 17 during the middle session, with only three players reaching double figures—Jason Sangha, Conor McInerney, and captain Nathan McSweeney.