Nathan McSweeney’s Nightmarish 8-21 Collapse Overshadows Batting Struggles in Shield Showdown

The Sheffield Shield bore witness to one of its most troubling displays of batting in recent memory during the match between South Australia and Tasmania.

After South Australia won the toss and opted to bat at Adelaide Oval, they experienced a nightmarish beginning when Henry Hunt was bowled by Gabe Bell for just 4 runs.

Bell struck again at 2-35, dismissing Conor McInerney, who scored 22 runs.

Just when it seemed that the home side had found their footing with a 37-run partnership between former Test opener Nathan McSweeney and Jason Sangha, disaster struck.

The dismissal of McSweeney, who made 20 runs, signalled the beginning of a disastrous collapse, reducing the score to 3-72.

Kieran Elliott was the architect of South Australia’s downfall, snaring six wickets in total, including that of McSweeney.

Test all-rounder Beau Webster contributed with a wicket of his own, dismissing Sangha, who top-scored with 28, while Gabe Bell also added another to his haul.

The fall of McSweeney was pivotal; the Redbacks rapidly spiralled to 8-21, ultimately being bowled out for a mere 93 runs.

South Australia’s batsmen could hardly blame the pitch for their troubles, as several players played dubious shots well away from their bodies, with Harry Nielsen falling victim to one that struck his off-stump.

The chaos continued when Tasmania came to the crease.

Brendan Doggett wreaked havoc in the top order, leaving Tasmania reeling at 3-13 early on.

Opener Jake Weatherald was out for a golden duck, edging behind while trying to drive aggressively at a delivery outside off-stump.

Tim Ward followed suit, getting caught down the leg side, while Jordan Silk also fell victim to an edge off a ball that was likely not hitting the stumps.