Sun Oct 13 05:41:41 UTC 2024: ## Veteran Paceman Gannon Leads WA to Dominate Queensland in Sheffield Shield Opener
Perth, Australia – Veteran paceman Cameron Gannon continued his stellar form from last season’s Sheffield Shield final, claiming a five-wicket haul to give defending champions Western Australia a commanding lead over Queensland in the opening round.
Gannon, who was instrumental in WA’s championship win last season with eight wickets and 52 runs in the final, took 5-57 at the WACA on Thursday, setting up a 98-run first-innings lead for the hosts.
Queensland were dismissed for 367, with Gannon dismissing key batsmen Jack Clayton (85) and Mark Steketee (32) late in the innings. WA, in reply, reached 3-106 at stumps on day three, a lead of 204 runs.
The match saw a tough fight between the bowlers from both sides on a pitch offering little assistance. However, Gannon’s performance, along with crucial contributions from Hilton Cartwright, who dismissed two batsmen in successive overs, shifted the momentum in WA’s favor.
WA’s Test opener Cameron Bancroft had a disappointing start to the season, falling for a duck in both innings. However, steady contributions from Mitchell Marsh (40) and Cartwright (19) helped WA establish a strong lead going into the final day.
The exciting young Queensland paceman, Tom Straker, took his first Sheffield Shield wicket, dismissing Jayden Goodwin. With WA in a strong position and a likely declaration on the cards, the final day promises to be a thrilling battle as Queensland attempts to claw their way back into the contest.
First Piper 