Tasmania Cling to Hobart Lead

Tasmania lead by 73 after Victoria collapse; Day Three looms.

Tasmania Hold Slim Hobart Lead

Tasmania lead Victoria by 73 runs after a day which saw 14 wickets fall and two reversals in Hobart.

Victoria were in control and finished up in trouble as they posted 207 for 10 before lunch and were all out for 207, with Tasmania finishing at 39 for 4 by stumps. A day for the Sheffield Shield, only a shame it was a four-day match.

A Match of Rescues

Tasmania’s first innings was a rescue act, as Ben McDermott and Jake Doran put on 166 to take the hosts from 45 for 7 to 211 for 7, giving them a 34-run lead. They then proved to be the only reliable batting partners again on day two after the same opening pair were all out for 14 for 4.

The Match at a Glance

What We Know So Far

• Victoria‘s morning saw Marcus Harris (54) and Ollie Peake (50) post 107 for the second wicket, taking Victoria to 107 for 1 at lunch.
• The breakthrough came from Gabe Bell drawing an edge from Harris, who was caught at second slip. Peake then played on to Marcus Bean, leaving Victoria 116 for 3.
• The collapse was steep as the last seven wickets fell for 91 runs. Six batters reached double figures but none passed 20.
• The hosts’ attack was strong too, with Mitchell Owen taking career-best figures of 4 for 58, and Bean adding 3 for 32.
• The slide by Tasmania was steep as Victorian captain Will Sutherland took two early wickets as Tasmania tumbled to 14 for 4.
• The close was also steep with McDermott (12) and Doran (14) ending the day together. They’re the only Tasmanians in double figures in the second innings.

Key Takeaways

• Starts weren’t converted. Six Victorian batters reached double figures but none passed 20, a pattern that cost them a first-innings lead.
• Tasmania leans on two players. Their top order has struggled in both innings and McDermott and Doran carry the load.
• The pitch favours bowlers. Wickets fell on both sides, so any partnership will count.
• The target will be modest. With 73 runs in hand and six wickets left, Tasmania’s total will probably be one Victoria can chase only with a good start.

What’s Next

Day 3 begins with McDermott and Doran at the crease. Tasmania wants to build a total that tests Victoria’s batting. Victoria will look to break the partnership early and keep the target small.

FAQ

What is the score after Day 2?

Tasmania are 39 for 4, with their second innings already posting a 73-run lead.

Who got wickets for Tasmania?

Mitchell Owen got a career-best 4 for 58, and Marcus Bean chipped in with 3 for 32, with Gabe Bell getting the wicket of opener Marcus Harris.

How did Victoria fold?

After posting 116 for 3, they lost the next seven wickets for 91, being all out for 207.

Who is batting for Tasmania?

They have opener Ben McDermott on 12 and Jake Doran on 14.

Who is ahead?

Tasmania, just barely. The match seems very close as it goes into Day 3.

Join the Conversation

Will McDermott and Doran get Tasmania a big lead, or will Victoria’s pace attack get big wickets on Day 3? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.