Sheffield Shield 2024: Josh Inglis’ Unbeaten Century Propels Western Australia Towards Victory
Josh Inglis showcased his batting prowess with an unbeaten century, steering Western Australia towards a commanding position against Queensland in the ongoing Sheffield Shield encounter at the WACA Ground.
With Western Australia at 58 for 4, Inglis entered and contributed 124 with Short.
Queensland, needing to score a massive 448 to win, will play again on the last day at 56 for 1. WA thrashed Queensland for 170 runs on Saturday, building a 140-run lead after the first innings. However, when Inglis took over on Sunday, WA was looking unsteady at 58 for 4 in their second innings. He and D’Arcy Short put together a 124-run stand that helped propel Western Australia to a declaration.
After Queensland opener Bryce Street was caught at slip by WA spinner Corey Rocchiccioli for five runs, Angus Lovell and Jack Clayton fought back to get to stumps safely. After scoring 47 in WA’s opening 310 innings, Inglis was pleased with his performance in his first Shield hit-out of the year.
“I haven’t played much red-ball cricket, but to come back and have an impact and help the team to be a really good position, I’m happy,” Inglis stated. “We’re in a favorable situation. Although their boys played well, I definitely would have preferred one or two more (wickets) tonight.
“I believe the wicket has a little more to go. In addition to plenty of bounce and spin for Rocchiccioli, there are plenty of divots on both sides of the wicket. I believe we will have nine more opportunities if we play well tomorrow.”
Cameron Bancroft, Sam Whiteman, Jayden Goodwin, and Hilton Cartwright all fell before the 25-over threshold, putting little resistance up from Western Australia’s top four.
Despite hurting his finger during the team’s warm-up the day before, Cartwright batted. As of yet, the extent of the injuries is unknown. Joel Paris and Cameron Gannon, the tailenders for Washington, provided valuable late runs to ably assist Inglis, who blasted 17 fours and one six.
If WA wins against Queensland and Tasmania defeats Victoria, they will move up to the second spot on the list. Victoria has just two wickets remaining as they head into the last day of their encounter in Tasmania, needing 69 more runs to win. Queensland, currently ranked fifth, isn’t giving up on the possibility of surprising Western Australia with a historic win.
