New South Wales (NSW) has secured a resounding victory over South Australia (SA) in the Sheffield Shield, winning by an innings and one run. Former Test quick Jackson Bird played a pivotal role, claiming 11 wickets in the match.
In the first innings, Bird wreaked havoc on the SA batting lineup, taking seven wickets for just 46 runs. The hosts were bundled out for a paltry 110, giving NSW a significant advantage.
In response, NSW posted a formidable 394, with Kurtis Patterson leading the way with a well-crafted 71. Patterson, who had been dropped from the NSW team last summer, has now scored three consecutive half-centuries.
SA showed some fight in the second innings, with Jake Lehmann scoring a gritty century. However, Bird was once again unstoppable, taking four wickets for 65 runs. Jack Edwards also chipped in with four wickets, as SA was dismissed for 283.
Bird’s 11-wicket haul was his sixth 10-wicket match haul in first-class cricket. It was also his first five-wicket haul since March 2021.
The victory is a major boost for NSW, who are now undefeated in the Shield this season. SA, on the other hand, suffered a reality check after their impressive start to the campaign.
