Last pair takes Western Australia to unlikely win

Western Australia 235 (Hussey 99*, Botha 5-59) and 9 for 211 (Harris 74, Hogan 47*) beat South Australia 248 (Ferguson 63, Brown 55, Hogan 5-40) and 193 (Ludeman 57, Agar 5-65)
Scorecard

Michael Hogan and Ashton Agar conjured a last-wicket stand of 68 to deliver an extraordinary victory to Western Australia over South Australia in the Sheffield Shield match at Adelaide Oval.

The Warriors appeared down for the count at 9 for 143 chasing 207 to win, but Hogan and Agar each completed outstanding allround displays to lift the visitors to 26 points on the Shield table, level with SA and two points behind the leaders Victoria with one round remaining.

It was WA's second remarkable turnaround in recent weeks, having been bowled out for 97 by Tasmania and then chased down a distant fourth innings target at home, and demonstrated how the team's spirit and character have improved with Justin Langer as coach, Adama Voges as captain and Michael Hussey as senior pro.

Resuming at 4 for 50, the Warriors made a strong start, Marcus Harris and Mitchell Marsh reducing the requirement in some style on a wearing pitch. But Marsh's contentious run-out - the batsman unhappy to see the umpire's raised finger after diving for his crease - swung the momentum of the morning.

Harris was removed by Tim Ludeman's grand diving catch off Joe Mennie, the first of four wickets to fall for 11 runs and so leave Agar with only Hogan for company.

But as he had done in the first innings, Hogan struck cleanly, while Agar continued to demonstrate rare composure for one so young. SA had a few half chances, but the WA pair were able to close in quickly, Hogan ending the contest with the flourish of a straight six.