NSW v. Tasmania Sheffield Shield Day 3 of 4 - Blacktown Olympic Park Oval, Western Sydney

Another postcard from Andy in NSW;-

To-day I travelled by train from Gosford to the above venue. Originally I had thought that the game was to be played at SCG but the NSW cricket authorities are keen to ensure that matches are not just played at their HQ.The location was totally redeveloped for the 2000 Olympic Games .

Entry was free and the weather was very hot and sunny. There is only one stand offering shade and this is at mid-wicket which is poor from a cricket watchers perspective in my opinion. Tasmania resumed their innings with one wicket remaining and completed it when Luke Butterworth was caught and bowled by Nathan Lyon for a more than useful 49 - 239 all out and 49 behind NSW on first innings.

David Warner and Nic Maddinson opened the batting for the hosts to the anticipation of the small crowd. Warner hit a couple of solid 4s before falling LBW to a skiddy delivery from the impressive left arm medium quick Sam Rainbird. His score of 15 followed a first innings of 21 - not the kind of form to impress the Aussie selectors. The next big wicket to fall was that of Michael Clarke. He was bowled neck and crop by Ben Hilfenhaus for 7. However, the Aussie skipper had notched a fine 88 in the first innings. Steve Smith was easily the most impressive of the NSW  batsmen cutting and driving well particularly through the covers, his innings of 63 contributed to the overall total of 245 leaving Tasmania to score 295 to win. The pick of the Tasmanian bowlers to-day was Clive Rose a young left arm spinner who finished with figures of  18-4-64-4. I was speaking with his father who had driven over 8 hours from near Melbourne to get to the game!

Things started badly for Tasmania in the final few overs before close of play. Ed Cowan was out for a disappointing 4 caught Maddinson bowled Hazlewood. He only scored 24 in the first innings and is  down the pecking order it would appear with the Aussie selectors, this match will have done him no favours. Tasmania finished on 18-1 and with the wicket wearing I expect NSW to win the game.

One fascinating feature of this venue is that behind one end of the ground is a patch of bush land. Frog ponds have been created there which attract....snakes. See the pic of the notice which is on the fencing!

cheers 

Andy