SA steady ship

South Australia has recovered from the loss of early wickets in it’s second dig to finish with a lead of 72 at stumps on day 2 in its clash with Tasmania at Bellerive Oval.

Harris remains not out on 37 while Ferguson is unbeaten on 19 with the Redbacks on 3-92 and looking to provide a competitive total to test the Tigers in what has been a tight contest.

It was Tasmania’s quick Brett Geeves (1-28) that struck first blood in the second innings dismissing Plant for 11. Redbacks newcomer Michael Klinger followed his teammate back to the pavilion soon after with a seven-ball duck courtesy of a MacDonald delivery (1-20).

Pakistani import Younis Khan then came to the crease and steadied the ship with a watchful 24 before he was bowled by Gerard Denton (1-19). Harris and Ferguson then steered the Redbacks to stumps.

Earlier, a valuable 10th wicket partnership between Ben Hilfenhaus and Gerard Denton allowed Tasmania to edge ahead of South Australia’s first innings score.

The tail-enders came together with the score at 9-186 with the home side still needing 46 to clinch first innings points and proceeded to put on 66 in reasonable time to regain the momentum.

It was Mark Cleary and Allan Wise who struck in quick succession to leave the Tasmanian lower order exposed after lunch. Cleary removed Marsh for 31 while Wise trapped the well-set Travis Birt for 42.

George then struck three times in the space of four overs with a devastating spell that included the scalps of Paine (15), Butterworth (28) and Geeves (5) in quick succession.

Shaun Tait then had McDonald caught by Harris for four to leave Tasmania reeling and the South Australian bowlers on fire.

That wicket brought Hilfenhaus and Denton together for an excellent rearguard action until Hilfenhaus was bowled by George for 31 while Denton remained not out on 28.