South Australia v New South Wales, Pura Cup, Adelaide, 3rd day

Redbacks battle in Adelaide

Cricinfo staff

November 11, 2007

South Australia 178 and 9 for 275 (Ferguson 59, Bracken 3-52, Nicholson 3-51) lead New South Wales 309 by 144 runs
Scorecard

Callum Fergsuon made his second fifty of the match © Getty Images

A battling rearguard from South Australia's batsmen forced the match into the fourth day and gave them some hope, albeit only a flicker, against New South Wales in Adelaide. The home side reached 9 for 277 by stumps, and will take a lead of 144 into Monday.

It is unlikely to be enough, but their second-innings fight will give them some confidence following their first-innings collapse. Callum Ferguson made another composed fifty and then Andy Delmont continued to contribute in his first season with a mature 40. Ryan Harris (33 not out) combined with Mark Cleary (13 not out) to further the fight and the pair has so far added 27 for the final wicket

The Blues pace bowlers worked hard throughout the day and they did the damage once more, picking off the batsmen steadily. Bracken opened this time, having been first-change in the first innings, and he led the attack with three wickets. Bollinger once again provided decent support, chipping in with two, while Matthew Nicholson also offered good pace in claiming three.

Shane Deitz (18) was caught at second slip by Nicholson off Bollinger, while Matthew Elliott (31) edged an awayswinger off Bracken. Nathan Adcock made 23 before Bracken trapped him high on the front leg. Cameron Borgas put his four ducks behind him by finally getting off the mark on his 11th ball, and he posted 13 before swiping to fine leg off Nicholson. After Ferguson finally fell, playing to leg gully off Bracken, and Delmont edged off Bollinger, the lower order showed some guts.

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