Sport
20 December, 2024
Big challenge for Crows as they chase 327
With day two approaching tomorrow, Beaufort will be getting a big litmus test to see if they can make a fist of chasing Laanecoorie Dunolly’s imposing 326 runs.
The Crows have been able to score consistently throughout the 2024/25 season so far, but this will be their biggest test.
Indeed, it was against Laane that the Crows were restricted to their lowest total of the year, scoring 114 runs from 32 overs in their round four loss.
Irrespective, it will be fascinating to see how their top order adjusts to the slower pace, just as Laane’s had to — and did so with ease — last week.
Ultimately, it was Tom Hannett’s batting smarts which looks like being the key difference.
Hannett batted all day throughout day one of the match, and was able to score runs at regular junctures, accelerating when he needed to and rotating the strike in finishing with an unbeaten 138 — his highest score in cricket.
He had his allies at times too — Kamaljot Romana continued his excellent start to life at Laane, scoring 49 runs, while Alex Cook scored 48 in a 121-run partnership.
Matt Smith provided a strong cameo to finish the day, with his 44 runs coming off just 23 deliveries.
Beaufort’s test will be whether they can stick around for long enough, while playing aggressively to keep the run rate going.
Luckily, their top four have all scored over 100 runs this season, showing an innate ability to remain at the crease for long periods.
Tom Alexander will be crucial for the Crows, and he has started to really find his feet with the bat, scoring 63 in the MDCA’s Sharp Shield victory, and following that up with his 42 against Colts Phelans two weeks ago.
It is expected captain Kriss Ellis will open alongside him, and Ellis has been one of their more consistent batters this season, scoring 127 runs.
Youngster Thomas Grant will be trusted to put together some good runs, having scored 116 for the season, and he will relish the challenge against Laane’s bowling lineup.
Then, of course, there is their linchpin, Lachlan Oddie.
On current evidence, Oddie is maintaining his consistent run with the bat, and has been the best of the competition outside of Laane’s big three of Hannett, Romana and Cook.
With 197 runs for the season, Oddie will look to add to this tomorrow.
However, it will undoubtedly be tough to score runs against Laane’s bowling attack, who have continued to be as unrelenting as ever, while players are starting to find wicket-taking form.
Zach Graham is one who has emerged in recent weeks, taking six wickets two weeks ago, which included a five-wicket haul in their win against Clunes.
That was enough to see Graham vault to third on the list.
Joe Lovel has also started to get reward for his bowling, and sits on eight wickets for the season.
Cook continues to lead the way with 15 wickets for the year, and will be crucial in his quest to maintain his incredible averages and run rate with ball in hand.
It could also be an opportunity for the likes of Daniel Romeo and Thang Nguyen to see more time with the ball, with both bowlers combining for 11 wickets off just 32 overs for the season so far.
For his part, Nguyen currently boasts the second-lowest average (10.8) of anyone who has bowled 10 or more overs so far this season.