South Australia survives first Pura outing

Jeff Vaughan's third first-class century has today saved South Australia from outright defeat in the Pura Cup match against Western Australia at the Adelaide Oval.

After scoring a duck in the first innings, the 26-year-old was keen to make amends this time around. He confessed to feeling "pretty bloody ordinary" after that dismissal and was keen to hang about and do his part for the team. And staying in also meant making runs.

"We couldn't afford to bat for four hours and still not be in front of them, but our number one goal was to still be on the Oval at stumps," he said.

"It's still disappointing from a team perspective because we really stuffed it up in the first innings. But to come out of it with a fighting draw was pleasing."

Rebacks' captain Darren Lehmann was full of praise for the right-handed batsman, who occupied the crease for nearly six and a half hours for his unbeaten 131.

"It was a great knock. Real gutsy, especially coming in on a pair; it was an excellent effort from him," he said.

But Vaughan didn't do it alone, receiving plenty of support from Brad Young in particular. Young, who batted for two hours for his 71 not out, scored at a brisk rate, belting 12 boundaries. The pair chalked up a partnership of 132 at better than a run a minute. The highlight was one Damien Martyn over that yielded 15 runs, including three fours.

Lehmann was more than happy with the draw. "It was a good fightback for us, considering we went in last night at 3/100 or whatever. So to get out with a draw there, where in the past we'd fold and probably lose the game easily, was really good," he said.

The Western Australians, who held on for a draw in similar fashion in their previous match against Queensland, would be disappointed with the result, but can take heart from their excellent batting performance.

Martyn (122) and Adam Gilchrist (102) both enjoyed fine knocks. Gilchrist, in particular, was in sparkling form, prompting Lehmann to label his century "one of the best hundreds I've seen in Adelaide". The Australian wicketkeeper was named player of the match.

Western Australia next faces Tasmania in Hobart in November, while South Australia takes on a full-strength New South Wales team at the Bankstown Oval.

Vaughan said the team was looking forward to facing the Blues' stellar line-up. "It's a good challenge for the team. We have had a positive start to the season and it'll be a huge challenge and one that everyone is looking forward to. You want to test yourself against the best in the game, so we're all looking forward to it."