Lehmann's fairytale departure continues with century

Western Australia 236 and 0 for 15 (Rogers 4*, Davis 11*) trail South Australia 397 (Lehmann 167, Ferguson 81, Elliott 58, Inness 6-83) by 146 runs
Scorecard

Darren Lehmann made his second century in four days in his second farewell match of the week leaving South Australia fans dreading his departure... for a second time this week.

His 167 helped the Redbacks consolidate another good day against Western Australia as they coursed to 397, a lead of 161. Mathew Inness kept his side in the hunt, though, with six wickets - his ninth five-wicket haul - before his side's openers began their reply in steady fashion.

Still, South Australia's batsmen made the most of a fine pitch and so showed just how well their bowlers had done on the opening day to shoot out Western Australia for 236. Their leader was Lehmann, his century a sumptuous but simple feast offering a tantalising selection of smooth, creamy shots. No matter how much the spectators gorged, though, they wanted more.

As soon as he had drunk in the prolonged applause for bringing up his hundred following three fours in Steve Magoffin's first over after tea, someone shouted: "The double next, Boof." It was looking achievable, too, as Lehmann piled on 78 runs in 40 balls in the evening session to charge past 150, although he had hesitated to see if he was to be given out on 101. He had already had a life on 8, a low, hard chance behind off Magoffin.

Lehmann was aggressive early on, then patient against the spinners Aaron Heal and Brad Hogg (who bowled solidly if not spectacularly, containing well) before teeing off once more in the evening session, with crisp pulls, cover drives and straight ones.

His innings included four sixes, all over midwicket, and 21 fours and he batted freely and with some improvisation, while pouncing on any width. "I've just had a ball this week," he said at the close. "I thought there would be a lot of pressure to perform well, and there is, but now I can just relax and enjoy the game."

As soon as he fell, bowled making room to cut Inness, came a sombre and heartfelt: "What will we do without Boof?" As if in answer, his side collectively shuddered from 6 for 363 to 397 all out, with Inness and Ben Edmondson the destroyers.

Fifties, though, for Matthew Elliott and Callum Ferguson set the platform from which Lehmann rose. Elliott's knock was a confident one before being trapped by Magoffin, while Ferguson continued in the same fluent vein for his third consecutive fifty, until he edged through off Inness. Andy Delmont added a forthright 23 and continued to look promising before Inness silenced him through the gate.

Nathan Adcock's 13, however, continued a disappointing run; he has 63 runs in seven first-class innings as captain this season. He started well with three fours before top-edging a hook off Edmondson, who bowled well for his three wickets.

But this again, was Lehmann's day, as well as being election day. "Boof for PM" read a banner during the week and if the fans had their way today they would vote for him to stay. Sadly for them, they are unlikely to have their way.