WA in the box seat against Redbacks

Travis Head and Callum Ferguson have scored gritty half-centuries to give South Australia some hope of avoiding defeat in their Sheffield Shield clash with Western Australia at the WACA Ground.

Staring down a first-innings deficit of 139, South Australia were in huge trouble after slumping to 3-52 in their second innings.

But a 92-run stand between new skipper Head (62) and Ferguson (60 not out) got the Redbacks off the canvas, with the visitors finishing the day on Monday at 4-147 – an overall lead of eight runs.

Head received a life on 35 when former teammate Michael Klinger dropped a simple chance at gully.

But the 21-year-old was left kicking himself when a rash shot in the second last over of the day cost him his wicket.

Ferguson and Alex Ross (1 not out) will resume at the crease on Tuesday.

WA entered day three at a commanding 3-386, with Klinger unbeaten on 176.

But Klinger’s departure for 190 sparked a collapse of 6-55 as WA finished at 9-467, with tail-ender Ryan Duffield forced to retire hurt after being struck on the left thumb.

Redbacks paceman Kane Richardson finished with figures of 3-92, while Gary Putland, Adam Zampa, and Joe Mennie chipped in with two wickets apiece.

Duffield was diagnosed with a dislocated thumb, but the left-hander returned later in the day to bowl eight overs.

Veteran paceman Michael Hogan snared 2-33 to start the Redbacks’ rot, and he holds the key to WA’s chances of pushing for victory on Tuesday.

WA will shoot to top spot on the Shield table if they can beat the Redbacks.

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