Western Australia has seized control of the Sheffield Shield final against Tasmania, thanks to a relentless bowling attack that claimed crucial wickets on day two. Tasmania ended the day at 152 for 6, trailing WA’s first-innings total of 347 by 195 runs.
Cameron Gannon led the charge for WA, exploiting his height to devastating effect. He dismissed Jordan Silk and Beau Webster late in the day, leaving Tasmania in a precarious position. Spinner Corey Rocchiccioli, despite battling the flu, continued his impressive season with two wickets, including the dismissal of opener Caleb Jewell.
WA’s first innings received a boost from debutant Cooper Connolly, who fell just short of becoming the second-youngest Shield final centurion. Connolly’s 90, along with contributions from Hilton Cartwright (55) and Josh Inglis (50), helped WA post a formidable total.
Tasmania’s chase got off to a shaky start as Matthew Wade was trapped lbw by Gannon before lunch. Jewell and Charlie Wakim fought back with a 68-run partnership, but WA’s pressure eventually proved too much. Rocchiccioli dismissed Wakim and Jewell in quick succession, leaving Tasmania reeling.
In the final session, Aaron Hardie dismissed Jake Doran, while Gannon and Paris continued to exploit the conditions. Tasmania’s hopes of overtaking WA on bonus points are slim, meaning they must win the match to end their 11-year title drought.
