SKIPPER Michael Klinger has blamed a shocking Champions League hangover for South Australia's 10-wicket defeat in the Sheffield Shield opener against New South Wales in Adelaide.
SA's top-six capitulated across both innings - caught in Twenty20 mode despite cricket director Jamie Cox's edict to forget about the Champions League semi-final finish last month in South Africa.
SA was dismissed for 279 in 89 overs yesterday - paying dearly for a meek 5/11 collapse on Wednesday afternoon in chasing NSW's massive first innings total of 6(dec)/529.
"I think our top six have to knuckle down and work on their games. I think you saw this game, guys probably, in white ball mode," said Klinger, whose dismissals for 0 and two came in contrast to his assured 886 runs at 63 last season.
Only a stirring 129-run, eight-wicket stand between No. 9 Chris Duval (87) - who posted his highest first-class score and unbeaten Aaron O'Brien (57) made NSW bat again while opener James Smith contributed 63. Aiden Blizzard (0), Cam Borgas (13) and Graham Manou (0) all failed.
"He showed up our top order batters to be honest, playing the ball on its merit," said Klinger.
No comments:
Post a Comment