Wickets tumble at the WACA - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Wickets tumble at the WACA

By Andrew Hamilton 05/01/2003 05:29:38 AM Comments (0)

The pacemen exploited perfect WACA bowling conditions and threatened the umpires with RSI as Queensland claimed first innings points over Western Australia on the first day of their Pura Cup clash on Saturday.

An incredible 16 wickets fell for 225 runs as the Bulls steamrolled WA out for 107 before suffering their own collapse and going to stumps on 6-118.

Although some aggrieved batsmen may be calling for the WACA deck to be swept for landmines, in truth it was exceptional bowling from both sides and not the pitch that contributed to one of the most extraordinary day's play here in many seasons.

The WACA's reputation as a pace bowlers' paradise rung true as the quicks claimed all but one of the wickets to fall.

Only rookie spinner Beau Casson (1-10), who claimed his first wicket on the WACA when he bowled the Bulls' top scorer Clinton Perren for 40, broke the trend.

WACA officials were left to lament what might have been when Adam Dale, once a potential Warrior, joined forces with old-mate Michael Kasprowicz (5-36) to demolish the WA top order.

During the off-season, Dale was linked to a move West to take up a position as a player and assistant coach with the Warriors.

But he was wearing the Bulls' maroon strip today when he delivered a swing bowling coaching clinic as WA collapsed to its lowest total of the season.

The former Test and Australian one-day star whose career was in the balance after major shoulder surgery, celebrated his return to first class cricket after a 15 month lay-off in devastating fashion with 3-52.

He claimed his first two wickets without conceding a run and his figures would have been more impressive had Michael Clark and Paul Wilson not bludgeoned 23 runs off his final two overs in a cavalier, 29 run last wicket stand that pushed the Warriors beyond 100.

Kasprowicz also enjoyed a triumphant return, albeit from just a one-match lay-off, to claim 5-36, his best figures against WA and his 20th career five wicket haul.

Kasprowicz, captaining Queensland in the absence of Australia A skipper Jim Maher, won the toss and had no hesitation sending the hosts into bat.

With the skies overcast, the south westerly already in and Dale champing at the bit to begin his first spell in over a year, he had little choice.

And in the end the Warriors quicks didn't have too long to wait for their own chance.

Queensland's innings began shortly before tea and it wasn't long before Jo Angel (2-19 ) and Michael Clark (2-41) were mimicking the Bulls' bowlers' feats.

The pair produced a devastating opening spell to reduce Queensland to 4-35 before a 65 run middle order partnership between James Hopes (32) and Perren (40) fortified the Bulls' innings.

Late wickets to Paul Wilson (1- 18) and Casson were not enough to salvage first innings points.

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