Redbacks limp on

South Australia are in a poor position after day two of the Pura Cup match against New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The Redbacks linger on 5 for 190, still trailing the Blues by 325 runs.

For the Blues Michael Clarke continued on from where he left off yesterday bringing up the 150 in 203 deliveries. Clarke carried on to make 178 before falling to a Cameron Borgas catch at cover off the bowling of Paul Rofe who took three wickets for the innings.

After century-maker Simon Katich was dismissed in the second over of the day, only Clarke (178), Dominic Thornely (43) and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin (39) provided resistance against the Redbacks with Cullen Bailey taking two wickets in the latter stages before the Blues declared at 9 for 515.

The Redbacks got off to a solid start and chased down the Blues intimidating total, notching up 50 runs after 15 overs. Soon after an expensive Stuart MacGill and a scintillating Brett Lee tore apart the South Australian batting line up claiming two wickets each.

MacGill had ex-Bushranger Matthew Elliot clean bowled for 20, as well as claming South Australia’s number three batsman, Greg Blewett for 40 runs, and Borgas for a lowly 14.

The in-form Lee dismissed opener Shane Deitz, having him caught by Nathan Bracken for a slow 24 runs. Lee also claimed the scalp of Callum Ferguson for the lowly score of six.

One positive to come out of the days play was the form of captain Darren Lehmann. Lehmann belted his way to 76 not out at the end of play, in a stunning display of 12 fours.

Play resumes tomorrow from the Sydney Cricket Ground at 10:30am (AEST), and rest assure Sports Australia will have all the action covered.

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