Quantcast

Doolan puts embattled Tigers on top

Former Test batsman posts a century as Tigers push lead towards 200 against Victoria at the MCG

Concussion substitute Jake Doran and veteran Alex Doolan have dug in their heels to help Tasmania build a handy second-innings lead over Victoria in the Sheffield Shield.

Doolan was unbeaten on 107 with skipper George Bailey 30 not out as Tasmania went to stumps on day two at 1-180, leading Victoria by 208 runs at the MCG.

Doolan's breakthrough ton puts Tigers in control

Doran and Doolan faced 263 balls together as Tasmania looked to slow the frantic pace of a game in which 20 wickets had already fallen before lunch on day two.

Their partnership came to an end when Peter Siddle had Doran (35) caught behind after tea.

The 20-year-old Doran took to the crease in place of Jordan Silk, who suffered delayed-onset concussion after ducking into a Peter Siddle bouncer in the first hour of play on Monday.

Silk helmet blow leads to concussion sub

Silk had continued to field for Tasmania on Tuesday morning and took an excellent diving catch at cover to dismiss Daniel Christian (35) off the bowling of Tom Rogers.

It is the first time a concussion substitute has been used since the rule was introduced to the Shield this season.

Victoria resumed on Tuesday at 4-103 and were all out for 144 just 90 minutes into the morning session.

Opener Marcus Harris top-scored for Victoria with 86 to keep his name in the mix for Ashes selection.

Harris bolsters Test hopes with fine knock

Harris, who made a century against South Australia last week, would likely be among the contenders to replace Matthew Renshaw should he struggle in the first two Ashes Tests.

Glenn Maxwell was earlier dismissed for four while Aaron Finch and Test batsman Peter Handscomb both made ducks.

Ashes race heats up in crucial Shield round

Tasmanian coach Adam Griffith was pleased with the improved patience and resolve of his batsmen after a poor first-innings performance.

"This group's coming from a long way back for the last little bit so we're not taking anything for granted," he said.


"We're going to have play some really, really good cricket tomorrow, firstly with the bat to give ourselves an opportunity and then we're going to have bowl really well on what looks a pretty good wicket."

Day two highlights: Victoria v Tasmania

Victoria: Peter Handscomb (c), Fawad Ahmed, Scott Boland, Dan Christian, Travis Dean, Aaron Finch, Seb Gotch (wk), Marcus Harris, Glenn Maxwell, Peter Siddle, Chris Tremain. Sam Harper 12th.

Tasmania: George Bailey (c), Gabe Bell, Alex Doolan, Jake Doran, James Faulkner, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Tim Paine, Sam Rainbird, Tom Rogers, Jordan Silk, Matthew Wade, Beau Webster (two to be omitted)