WA win Shield opener against NSW

A nine wicket match haul from Lance Morris and a maiden first class hundred from teenage sensation Teague Wyllie were the highlights from Western Australia’s eight wicket win inside three days over New South Wales at the WACA Ground.

WA obtained a 78 run first innings lead thanks in main to Wyllie’s 104 from 204 balls on day two, well supported by Matt Kelly (47*) as the pair added 90 for eighth wicket.

New South Wales started well in their second innings through openers Daniel Hughes and Blake Nikitaras, reaching 48 inside 20 overs before Nikitaras was adjudged caught behind for 25 off Aaron Hardie.

When Hughes was hurried for pace and popped Morris to short leg in the following over WA was well on its way to victory, reducing the Blues to four down by lunch.

Young wicketkeeper Baxter Holt was the only shining light for New South Wales, making his maiden half century in first class cricket as he took it to the WA bowlers, striking successive reverse sweep boundaries off Corey Roccichioli.

He was last out for 54 to the impressive Morris, who claimed his fourth for the innings to finish with match figures of 9/82, New South Wales all out for 162.

It meant Western Australia needed just 85 for victory, Cameron Bancroft (34) and Sam Whiteman (21*) steering the chase before Hilton Cartwright struck two sixes off Nathan Lyon (2/33) to hasten the victory arrival for the home side.

Speedster Morris was player of the match, his speed and accuracy troubling the Blues batsmen throughout the match in a bowler dominated game.

WA’s next Shield fixture is at the Junction Oval against Victoria on Monday 17th October.

IMAGE: FILE