Test hopeful passes Tubby in reminder to selectors
Ahead of the Test summer, Kurtis Patterson has reminded Australian selectors he’s ready and available with a brilliant Sheffield Shield ton.
Patterson ended day one on 117 not out against Western Australia after a strong top order performance from NSW.
Kurtis Patterson of New South Wales celebrates his century. Getty Images
Ollie Davies backed up his double century in the last Shield match with 52 while Sam Konstas returned to form, hitting 71.
Jack Edwards (31) and Lachlan Shaw (61) provided support for Patterson too as he made his way to a 16th first class ton.
The left-hander also went to fourth on the NSW Sheffield Shield run-scorers list, taking Mark Taylor’s spot.
Patterson could’ve easily found himself in South Africa if it wasn’t for a groin injury early in the season. That issue meant he missed out on NSW’s one-day match against Victoria where Nic Maddinson hit a century and was then selected for Australia after being brought into the squad as injury cover.
The 33-year-old Patterson has played two Tests in his career, and scored 114 not out against Sri Lanka in his last appearance.
Another Aussie hopeful Jhye Richardson took 2-78 in the Shield clash with NSW 4-345 at stumps.
McDermott not just a T20 specialist
Ben McDermott starred for Tasmania against Victoria at Bellerive Oval, hitting 128 as his side was bowled out for 241.
The T20 and ODI Australian representative had to prove he’s a miracle worker on day one with Tasmania 7-45 at one stage.
He had originally retired hurt on 6 with a lower back injury but returned and combined with Jake Doran for a 166-run partnership.
Doran hit 73 alongside McDermott, making them the only two batters to reach double figures.
Exciting left-armer Harry Hoekstra impressed with the ball, taking 5-46 while the ever-reliable Fergus O’Neill finished with 3-41.
McSweeney makes a start
Nathan McSweeney. Getty Images
There’s plenty of attention on Nathan McSweeney currently as Marnus Labuschagne tries to break his century drought while Steve Smith approaches the end.
The 27-year-old made 54 on day one for South Australia against Queensland but would’ve been disappointed he couldn’t go on to triple figures.
Leg-spinner Mitch Swepson was the man who removed him after McSweeney was on one knee trying to sweep and trapped in front lbw.
Jake Lehmann added 62 for South Australia as they finished 203 all out. Jake Weatherald scored 31 at the top.
Cameron Gannon took 5-42 for Queensland.
