Harris helps Redbacks hold on for draw

On a day when both sides sensed a chance of victory South Australia and Victoria eventually played out a season-opening draw on the flat pitch at Adelaide Oval. Chasing a challenging but gettable 268, the Redbacks for a while had a sniff as Daniel Harris gave them a solid start but after losing a string of wickets they were happy just to bat out the day.

Late strikes to Andrew McDonald, who finished with 3 for 15, gave Victoria hope but South Australia's captain Graham Manou, who made 14 not out, and Dan Cullen (1 not out) saw them through to stumps at 7 for 176. It meant Victoria took the only points from the game after South Australia declared behind on the first innings.

The Redbacks went to tea needing a further 192 at 5.6 an over with eight wickets in hand. It was an unlikely goal but with Harris the anchor and Aaron O'Brien capable of scoring quickly, they had seemingly not given up.

The loss of Harris, who was lbw to McDonald for 62, was a major blow and despite O'Brien's 49 from 75 deliveries, the home team found themselves too far behind. Their bowlers had done well to give the batsmen any hope.

Victoria began the day with a healthy lead of 167 but they lost 9 for 100 on the final day as Cullen collected three wickets and O'Brien claimed two. A late counterattacking 31 from Shane Harwood was the only reason South Australia's target was not significantly more attainable and in the end Victoria were fortunate not to lose a game they will feel they should have won.