Australia has emerged victorious by a narrow 11-run margin against a determined Australia A side in what proved to be a gripping contest to kick off the Over 50’s Spirit of Cricket Festivale Tri-Series in Mildura on Wednesday. Australia A, captained by Richard Gabb won the toss and opted to field, and they struck early when debutant Owen Gilchrist retired hurt on four after an Achilles injury.
Despite this setback, Australia’s Stephen Mace and Clint Keble put together a solid 35-run partnership before Mace fell to a sharp catch by Ash Hardy off the bowling of Chris Lanagan.
Keble, batting confidently, retired hurt on 40, leaving the middle order to continue the momentum.
Andrew Kratzmann and Leirh Dawes took the score to 121 before Dawes was trapped LBW by Guy Randell at the 30-over mark.
Brad Purdue dismissed Tony Clark for eight soon after.
The key partnership came from Kratzmann (84 off 105 balls) and Tim Haysman, whose 68-run stand guided Australia to a competitive total.
Haysman finished the innings with a well-timed 36 off 32 balls, taking Australia to 223/5 after 45 overs.
Extras were costly for Australia A as they conceded 19 wides.
Australia’s bowlers came out firing, reducing Australia A to 2/23 early in the innings.
However, Gabby and Mark Kratzmann then mounted a strong recovery, putting together an impressive 92-run partnership.
Gabby looked in fine form before being run out for a well-constructed 50 off 46 balls, which slowed the momentum for Australia A.
Kratzmann held the innings together with a gritty 48, but with wickets falling at regular intervals around him, Australia A found it tough to maintain the required run rate.
Despite some promising small partnerships, Kratzmann’s dismissal dashed any remaining hopes for the chase, as Australia A fell just 11 runs short.
Australia’s spinners Simon Waddington and Stephen Gollan applied the pressure during the middle overs, and Phillip Melville’s 3/39 proved crucial in halting Australia A’s charge.
Like Australia A, Australia’s bowling was marred by 20 wides, but they managed to hold their nerve at key moments.
In the end, it was a highly competitive opening match of the series, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting week of cricket in Mildura.
Australia’s victory gives them a winning start in the Tri-Series, but Australia A will take plenty of positives from the match as they look to bounce back in the next game.
– Anthony Telfer
Draw for the remaining games of the 50s Spirit of Cricket Festivale:
Today: Round 1, Game 3: Australia A v New Zealand – Chaffey Park, Merbein at 10am.
Tomorrow: Round 2, Game 4: Australia v Australia A – Chaffey Park, Merbein at 10am.
Sunday: Round 2, Game 5: Australia v New Zealand, Australia v Australia A – Sarah Oval, Mildura at 10am.
Monday: Round 2, Game 6: New Zealand v Australia A – Sarah Oval, Mildura at 10am.
Tuesday: Grand final 1st v 2nd – Mildura Senior College at 10am.
