Centurion Robinson defies strong Redbacks

Western Australia 7 for 233 (Robinson 109*, Cullen 3-62) v South Australia
Scorecard

Western Australia unearthed yet another top-order prospect as Wes Robinson ground out a century in his second game to offset a strong bowling effort from Dan Cullen and his South Australia colleagues. Robinson batted throughout the day and finished unbeaten on 109 with Steve Magoffin on 2 as the Warriors closed at 7 for 233.

Robinson got his opportunity because Shaun Marsh was called into the Test squad and he proved a more gritty opener than the man he replaced, nudging his way to triple-figures from 246 balls. The problem for the Warriors was that it was almost a one-man show. Robinson had moderate support from three colleagues but none managed to post half-centuries.

His opening partner Liam Davis made 39 in a 68-run stand that ended when Davis was caught off Cullen. The offspinner made it two in one over when he trapped Luke Pomersbach lbw without scoring and Western Australia stumbled to 3 for 83 when Marcus North also fell cheaply.

Adam Voges (28) gave Robinson some assistance before becoming the third of Cullen's victims. Fortunately for the visitors Ronchi, who had been battling for form, struck 49 in a 74-run partnership that ended when he was caught behind off Mark Cleary.

It was a strong first day for the struggling South Australia, who were without their major striker Shaun Tait as he had been rested. Cullen said he was happy with his 30 overs, which brought 3 for 62. "Out there it felt like I had pretty good control of the ball," Cullen told AAP. "It wasn't turning much but it was drifting a little bit."