Hatcher Leads NSW Fightback After McAndrew, Doggett Dismantle Batting Line-up

Liam Hatcher spearheaded a late fightback for New South Wales on the opening day at the SCG after Nathan McAndrew and Brendan Doggett shared seven wickets to put the visitors on top in their Sheffield Shield clash.

On a surface that offered assistance throughout the day, NSW were dismissed for 152 despite a promising start, losing their final five wickets for just 22 runs. McAndrew and Doggett led South Australia’s bowling effort, while emerging allrounder Liam Scott also made an impact with two wickets.

In response, NSW struck back strongly with the new ball in the final session. Hatcher produced a superb opening spell, taking 2 for 3 from five overs, to swing momentum back towards the home side and keep the contest finely balanced.

MacKenzie Harvey, playing only his second first-class match, was dismissed dragging on a drive, before South Australia captain Nathan McSweeney edged a superb delivery from Hatcher that shaped away to take the shoulder of the bat.

Charlie Stobo then claimed the wicket of Henry Hunt, caught at first slip, leaving South Australia 42 for 3. Although Alex Carey and his partner steadied the innings with a brisk fourth-wicket stand of 45, Hatcher struck again late in the day, removing Carey with just seven minutes remaining. The wicket was a major blow, with Carey having looked in good touch.

“It was an interesting day,” Hatcher said. “We would’ve liked more runs on the board considering our start. We lost wickets in clumps which was a bit disappointing, but this wicket is only going to get harder to bat on. As long as we’re good tomorrow, a lead would be nice, but if we keep them around our score we’re going to be in the game.”

The match is crucial for both sides, with NSW and South Australia locked in a tight mid-table battle for second place and a spot in the Sheffield Shield final. Four teams have each recorded two wins in the opening part of the season.

Earlier in the day, NSW openers Sam Konstas and Will Salzmann provided a solid foundation, adding 52 for the first wicket at a healthy scoring rate. Konstas was reprieved on 6 when Jake Lehmann spilled a chance at third slip. Salzmann, returning from a hamstring injury that ruled him out of the entire BBL season, was eventually dismissed when Scott induced a chop-on.

Kurtis Patterson, playing his 100th Sheffield Shield match for NSW, edged into the slips, while Lachlan Shaw was bowled by Doggett after missing an expansive drive to a delivery that jagged back sharply to hit leg stump.

Either side of lunch, Konstas and Josh Philippe rebuilt the innings before Philippe miscued a pull shot to mid-on. Konstas briefly showed his class with back-to-back boundaries before the break but slowed significantly thereafter, scoring just four runs from his final 25 balls before edging a back-foot drive to Doggett.

Joel Davies launched a short-lived counterattack before dragging on against McAndrew. Captain Jack Edwards was then caught at third slip by McSweeney, who earlier had dropped him on 8. NSW’s collapse continued as Tanveer Sangha edged into the cordon, while Stobo’s innings was ended by a direct hit from deep square leg by Lloyd Pope.