In a thrilling day of one-day cricket across the country, Australian cricket stars Steve Smith, Matt Short, and Nathan McSweeney all made significant contributions, though not all of them finished on the winning side.
Steve Smith’s Half-Century and NSW’s Big Victory
Steve Smith, in need of a confidence boost after a few lean outings, struck a valuable half-century for New South Wales (NSW) as his team posted a commanding total of 8-336 against Victoria at the Junction Oval. Smith’s 56 was a welcome return to form after managing just three runs in two innings during the recent Sheffield Shield clash. More importantly, it marked a triumphant return for Australian captain Pat Cummins, who played his first match since July.
While Smith’s contribution was crucial, the real hero for NSW was debutant Charlie Anderson, who was a late inclusion after Josh Hazlewood withdrew due to illness. The 19-year-old Anderson had a dream debut, taking 3-37, including the vital wickets of Matt Short and Glenn Maxwell, to help bowl Victoria out for just 195, securing a comfortable 140-run victory for NSW.
Cummins, who is preparing to join Australia’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan, finished with figures of 1-36 from seven overs, coming through the match unscathed.
Matt Short Impresses Despite Victoria’s Loss
On the other side of the Junction Oval contest, Victorian opener Matt Short stood tall amid his team’s struggles, smashing 80 off just 58 balls in his first game since a groin injury ruled him out of Australia’s white-ball tour of the UK. Short, who is a frontrunner to replace David Warner at the top of the order in the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan, looked in scintillating form, hammering five fours and five sixes. However, he received little support from his teammates, as Victoria was bowled out well short of the target.
Veteran seamer Peter Siddle, a standout for Victoria, rolled back the years with a five-wicket haul, finishing with 5-49, including the prized scalp of Smith.
Nathan McSweeney’s Lone Resistance for South Australia
South Australian captain Nathan McSweeney continued his strong form in domestic cricket, smashing a superb 138 in a losing effort against Queensland at the Allan Border Oval. Coming to the crease with his side struggling at 2-9, McSweeney fought valiantly, hitting 16 fours and three sixes in his 131-ball knock. His innings accounted for more than half of South Australia’s total of 218, but it wasn’t enough as Queensland cruised to victory.
McSweeney’s impressive domestic form has not gone unnoticed. With 291 runs at an average of 97 through the opening two rounds of the Sheffield Shield, including an unbeaten century and two fifties, McSweeney has been touted as a future Australian captain. The 25-year-old is set to captain Australia A in their upcoming series against India A, and his name is increasingly being mentioned as a potential Test player.
Queensland’s Dominant Performance
Queensland chased down South Australia’s modest total of 218 with ease, finishing on 1-223 in just 33 overs. Keeper Jimmy Peirson made his maiden List A hundred, finishing unbeaten on 100, while Test hopeful Matt Renshaw finally found form, scoring an unbeaten 72 off 54 balls, which included a six and a four off the final two balls to seal the win.
With Liam Guthrie taking 4-18 and Marnus Labuschagne not even required to bat, Queensland’s victory highlighted their dominance on the day, denying South Australia a chance at any meaningful resistance.
A Day of Big Performances and Future Stars
The action-packed day of one-day cricket showcased the form of some of Australia’s top players and emerging stars. Steve Smith’s return to runs, Matt Short’s powerful knock, and Nathan McSweeney’s growing case for a Test call-up were among the standout performances, even as the competition intensifies ahead of international series and future selections.
𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞, 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞, 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥!
📌YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@serendibnews
📌Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/serendibnews.com.au/
📌Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/serendibnewsau
📌TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@serendibnews
📌Twitter- https://x.com/SerendibNewsAu
📌LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/serendib-news-au/
📌WhatsApp Group – https://tinyurl.com/2as67j52
📌WhatsApp Channel – https://tinyurl.com/bdf8f2jr
