Bailey's 123 gives Tasmania hope for the final
George Bailey fought to keep Tasmania's season alive with a gallant 123 to overcome a horrible start against South Australia
Cricinfo staff
05-Mar-2009
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George Bailey fought to keep Tasmania's season alive with a gallant 123 to overcome a horrible start against South Australia. Needing an outright win to remain a chance to meet Victoria in next week's final, the Tigers won the toss and quickly slumped to 6 for 81 at lunch, with Mark Cleary already owning five wickets.
Bailey stood above the wreckage on a normal Adelaide pitch with his second century of the season as the Tigers posted a much healthier 8 for 269 at stumps. He has been Tasmania's most productive batsman this season and took his tally to 643 Sheffield Shield runs with a classy display.
The revival started with his 139-run stand for the eighth wicket with Chris Duval, who continued on after Bailey departed to a catch behind off Daniel Christian. Duval was unbeaten on a career high 61 while James Smith was 20.
Jon Wells was the first to depart in the seventh over when he was lbw to Cleary while Dan Marsh was yorked and Travis Birt played on. In the last over before lunch Cleary forced Tim Paine (25) into an edge to third slip and then quickly raised his five-wicket haul when Luke Butterworth was taken in the gully. His 5 for 23 in the first session turned into 5 for 78 and Peter George chipped in to remove David Dawson and Jason Krejza.