Hilton Cartwright's drought-breaking century punctuates draw

A drought-breaking century from Hilton Cartwright ensured Western Australia avoided a final day stumble against South Australia as the match petered out to a docile draw at Karen Rolton Oval.

Cartwright played with confidence and authority reaching three figures for the first time in 44 first-class innings dating back to March 2018. He finished on 121 not out from 186 balls when the match was called off at 3pm on the final day with the game locked in a stalemate.

South Australia did briefly threaten to break the game wide open earlier in the day when David Grant struck twice in the sixth over of the day. He removed Sam Whiteman, caught down the leg side, and Cameron Green, lbw not offering a shot, within three balls to leave WA three down with a lead of just 52.

Shaun Marsh steadied with Cartwright but there was another wobble just before lunch when Marsh hit a rank full toss from Lloyd Pope straight to midwicket on 40.

But Cartwright pummelled Pope after lunch pounding 22 off an over to put the lead beyond South Australia's reach as the game moved deep into the afternoon. Despite Josh Philippe being stumped attempting a wild swing and Josh Inglis nicking Travis Head to slip in uncharacteristic fashion, Cartwright held firm and brought up his long-awaited century with a huge six over midwicket. He struck 12 fours and four sixes in total in an innings that reaffirmed his place in the WA side after losing his spot at various stages over the past two seasons.

He and Joel Paris kept the scoreboard ticking before the captains called an end to proceedings.