South Australia cruise to opening victory

South Australia 345 and 1 for 76 (Smith 57*) beat Tasmania 236 and 184 (Bailey 90, Christian 4-31, O'Brien 3-49) by 9 wickets
Scorecard

South Australia opened their Sheffield Shield season on a high with a nine-wicket victory over Tasmania despite the Redbacks' attack being hampered by injuries. George Bailey's 90 was the only highlight for the Tigers in their second innings as they were bundled out for 184 and South Australia reached their target of 76 with ease.

Tasmania began the day leading by 42 runs and Bailey was the key figure if they were to set a competitive target. However, when he fell lbw trying to sweep Aaron O'Brien, it sparked a collapse and Tasmania lost their final six wickets for 11.

The quick wrap-up from South Australia was all the more impressive considering that Mark Cleary didn't bowl in the second innings due to a back problem and Chris Duval (stomach muscle strain) sent down only ten overs. The damage came from O'Brien, who picked up 3 for 49, and Daniel Christian, who collected 4 for 31.

South Australia barely stumbled in their small chase, losing only Daniel Harris for 3. The first-innings centurion James Smith again was the top scorer with an unbeaten 57 that helped earn him the Man-of-the-Match award.