Doolan's twin tons deny South Australia drought breaking win

Alex Doolan became just the seventh Tasmania batsman to score twin centuries in a Sheffield Shield match to deny South Australia victory on the final day in Adelaide.

The Redbacks haven't won in two seasons and came within two wickets of breaking their drought. However, Doolan's 116, following on from 170 not out in the first innings, combined with stubborn resistance from Ben McDermott and George Bailey helped Tasmania force a draw although for a long time they were in with a good chance of victory.

Doolan joined an elite group of Tasmanians which includes Test greats Ricky Ponting and David Boon to produce twin hundreds in a match. He also achieved the rare feat of facing more than 600 deliveries in a Shield game, something only a handful of players including Steve Waugh and Bob Simpson have achieved.

Tasmania were set 337 in 90 overs on the final day after South Australia declared for the second time in the game. Callum Ferguson fell for 82 in the morning having added only 10 to his overnight total.

They appeared well on track to chase the target down having reached 3 for 240 with 25 overs remaining. Beau Webster, Matthew Wade, and McDermott all featured in significant partnerships with Doolan but when he finally fell to Wes Agar the chase stalled.

Nick Winter clean bowled McDermott and Tim Paine in consecutive overs then Agar returned to knock over Jackson Bird before Joe Mennie struck with the second new ball to leave Tasmania eight down.

George Bailey had to shepherd Lawrence Neil-Smith through the last 41 balls and the pair did so successfully to extend South Australia's drought.