South Australian captain Michael Klinger expects Nathan Lyon to come under consideration for the Australian one-day side after his performance against Victoria.
Test offspinner Lyon returned from a three-week break because of a thigh strain to claim 1-68 from 13 overs as the Redbacks scored a 48-run win in their one-day cup clash at the MCG on Saturday night.
The Redbacks were sent in on a slow-paced pitch and tallied 7-277 led by Klinger’s classy 112.
Victoria were bowled out for 229 in 44.2 overs in reply, with Jake Haberfield taking 3-36 and Aaron Finch top-scoring with 63.
South Australia claimed top spot on the one-day table and will host the final on February 25 against Tasmania.
“Nathan bowled well tonight so, whether he gets drafted straight into the Australian team, I’m not sure,” Klinger said after the match.
Klinger says his players are excited about the opportunity to chase South Australia’s first one-day title for 25 years.
“It’s time to break that (drought) next week hopefully,” he said.
“To get a one-day trophy will be really fantastic for the group.
“We came into the game desperate to win because we’ve played some really good cricket at Adelaide Oval this year and we really wanted to host the final.
Klinger’s second one-day century of the season places him on top of the run-scoring table with 417 at 52.12, while team-mate Tom Cooper (351 at 87.75) is also in cracking form.
“Coops came out looking a million dollars, like he has done for most of the season, and unfortunately ran himself out,” Klinger said of Cooper’s 33-ball 36.
It wasn’t all good news for the Redbacks who were atrocious at times in the field, conceding misfields and overthrows galore.
“The fielding in the first 10 overs from our boys wasn’t fantastic. Our ground fielding and our intensity wasn’t quite up there enough,” Klinger said.
“We’ve got a bit of work to do over the next week. Hopefully tonight was just one lapse.”
Victoria were playing only for pride and rested Test quick Peter Siddle, promoting debutants Andrew Fekete, Alex Keath and Clive Rose.
Keath was run out for five while pace bowler Fekete (2-42 off nine overs) and left-arm spinner Rose (0-53 off 12) took the new ball and impressed skipper Cameron White.
Fekete fractured his left foot while attempting to field off his own bowling in his ninth over. The 26-year-old limped off the field and did not bat.
“Andrew (Fekete) will remember his first game for a while won’t he? It’s unfortunate,” White said.
