Siddle century stamps Australia A authority

Australia A 8-372 dec. (Haddin 113, Siddle 103*) & 4-164 (Doolan 47) lead Scotland 149 (Pattinson 3-16) by 388 runs at Edinburgh. Full scorecard

Starting the day on 85, Siddle’s first goal was to get past his previous high score of 87.

Lucifer. Diablo. Beelzebub. Whatever you call him, the devil would not get in the way this time, though he reminded everyone he was watching when Siddle was dropped on 93.

The simplest of chances going his way meant yep, it was meant to be. A drive through cover was enough to see him advance off 99, raising the bat for the first time for triple figures in his life.

Ashton Agar’s dismissal for five led to Brad Haddin declaring at 8-372 from 99 overs. Siddle remained 103 not out.

It was then over to the bowlers to deliver their own demons to the Scottish batsmen with clear skies overhead.

Haddin wasted no time unleashing his fastest monster. By the end of three overs, James Pattinson was at full pace, swinging the ball both ways and causing the batsmen to rethink their last will.

He had opener Josh Davey dropped at first slip by Alex Doolan then caught at first slip by Alex Doolan in the space of a few balls.

Next went Richie Berrington, offering no shot to a ball that swung in to send the middle pole cartwheeling a dozen meters back. Moneeb Iqbal fell the same way, only to one that didn’t swing; such was the hold Pattinson had over the Scots.

Spin twins Nathan Lyon and Ashton Agar both collected a double, with Lyon executing a direct hit to make matters worse for the home side.

Only some late slogging by Colin MacLeod (51) and Ian Wardlaw (33) lifted the score over 100 and one shy of 150.

Australia A did not enforce the follow on, instead choosing to bat again while the sun was out on a glorious day in Edinburgh.

Both ‘A’ operners failed in the first dig and were hell-bent on making up second time around. 

Jordan Silk got to 22 before cutting one to slip, but Doolan looked in good touch during his 47-run stay. Power on the drive and through the pull highlighted his 71-ball innings.

At close of play Ashton Agar (31) and Moises Henriques (29) had put Australia A 388 runs ahead halfway through the match.

A chase of 400 is difficult for any team, so it could be fair to say the visitors already have enough in the bag.

When Scotland turn out for their second innings they’ll have to face the fire and brimstone once more from Pattinson, Siddle and Chad Sayers.

Perhaps a prayer or two is in order to save this one.