Davison proves priceless for Redbacks
Canadian-born cricketer John Davison proved a valuable acquisition for South Australia today as the Redbacks downed Tasmania by 27 runs in the ING Cup match at Bellerive Oval.
Libby Sutherland
01-Nov-2003
Canadian-born cricketer John Davison proved a valuable acquisition for South Australia today as the Redbacks downed Tasmania by 27 runs in the ING Cup match at Bellerive Oval.
The 33-year-old was not content with being the Redbacks' topscorer at the crease, contributing 59 runs off 63 balls to the 8-239 tally.
The off-spinner also took 5-26 to achieve a career-best in one-day cricket.
His attack resulted in the home team being despatched for 212 despite a valiant century by Michael Dighton - his first in one-day cricket.
Davison's stand-out performance earned him man of the match, along with praise from Redbacks captain Greg Blewett.
"We want him to play a more important role in our side because we know what he's capable of," the skipper said.
Davison got his start in grade cricket in Sydney and made his first-class debut with Victoria in 1995-96.
He made history earlier this year by racking up the fastest-ever World Cup century while representing his native Canada against the West Indies in South Africa.
The Redbacks, who won the toss and elected to bat, made a steady start before the Tigers clawed their way back.
After toppling Blewett for 24, Tasmania went on to claim another four wickets for the addition of just 11 runs.
Included was Davison, who was caught by Di Venuto, and prized Zimbabwe import Andy Flower, who was run out for one.
Talented teenager Mark Cosgrove, on deck to replace an injured Mick Miller, fell LBW for one to Adam Griffith two overs later.
But the visitors managed to consolidate thanks to a 55-run partnership between Mark Higgs (41) and Mark Cosgrove (43).
In reply, the Tigers' opening batsman Di Venuto was despatched for a duck by fast bowler Paul Rofe on the third ball of the first over.
Australian one-day allrounder Shane Watson was caught by Davison for 10, while former skipper Jamie Cox fell LBW to Rofe for a disappointing two.
It was Dighton hauled the Tigers back from the brink.
He scored 113 runs off 139 balls before being stumped by Graham Manou off a ball from Davison.
His 121-run partnership with new captain Daniel Marsh (46) came of less than 25 overs.
Marsh described Dighton's performance as "outstanding".
"It's just a shame that innings will go pretty much unnoticed today because we didn't win the game," he said.
South Australia and Tasmania will meet again next week in a Pura Cup clash at Bellerive, starting on Monday.