Blewett and Katich in WACA runfest
Andrew Hamilton - 3 March 2001

Australia's formidable batting depth was reinforced during a WACA runfest today when South Australia's Greg Blewett followed hometown hero Simon Katich into triple figures in their Pura Cup clash.

Despite Blewett's unbeaten 115 South Australia was in trouble at 5-198, still 127 runs short of the follow on target at stumps on day two.

With a finals berth now out of reach for both sides, Blewett and Katich turned the match into a battle for Pura Cup run scoring supremacy as Australian selector David Boon watched from the stands.

The Redbacks came into bat 14 minutes before lunch after Warriors' captain Tom Moody declared at 7-474.

The only hiccup in a dominant day for the homeside came when paceman Brad Williams injured his knee in a fielding accident. The burly paceman left the field and did not return in the final session, but is expected to bowl tomorrow.

South Australia was immediately in trouble at 3-49 before Blewett, who is vying with Katich for an Ashes berth, stood tall with his third century of the summer and in the process notched his 12,000th first class run.

Katich's chanceless 228no took him to 916 runs at 83.2 for the Pura Cup season while Blewett finished the day on a total of 923 runs at 83.9.

Veteran paceman Jo Angel (2-16) was the early destroyer when he had Luke Williams caught in the slips for six and Shane Deitz caught at fine leg for four after a mistimed pull shot.

Former Test player Matthew Nicholson then claimed the prize wicket of Redbacks' captain Darren Lehmann, caught behind for 23.

Angel claimed his third when he found the edge of debutant Cameron Borgas' blade to give Warriors' keeper Mark Walsh his second dismissal.

However Blewett then formed a 96 run partnership with another first gamer Ben Higgins to keep the Redbacks' hopes of reaching the 325 follow on figure alive.

Katich, who resumed this morning unbeaten on 152, was watchful early before putting the Redbacks to the sword by smashing 76 runs in 77 balls to post his first double century of the season.

He amassed 88 runs with former Test paceman Nicholson, who was not out 32.

© 2001 AAP


Teams Australia.
First Class Teams South Australia, Western Australia.
Players/Umpires Greg Blewett, Simon Katich, David Boon, Tom Moody, Brad Williams, Jo Angel, Luke Williams, Shane Deitz, Matthew Nicholson, Darren Lehmann, Cameron Borgas, Mark Walsh, Ben Higgins.
Season Australian Domestic Season
Scorecard Pura Cup: Western Australia v South Australia, 2-5 Mar 2001