Cricket

Corey Rocchiccioli's heroic performance in the Sheffield Shield final, despite battling a fever and cramps, has cemented his status as a rising star in Australian cricket.Despite waking up with a fever on the first day of the final, Rocchiccioli refused to let his illness sideline him. He took his place in the Western Australia team and bowled 22 overs on day two, claiming two crucial wickets that thwarted Tasmania's momentum.Rocchiccioli's determination was even more remarkable considering he was also battling cramps in both calves. "It was pretty hard at times," he said. "But playing in a Shield final, you've got no excuses."His efforts helped WA gain a decisive 161-run first-innings lead. Rocchiccioli finished with 4 for 48 from 28 overs, a performance that has drawn comparisons to Michael Jordan's famous "flu game" in basketball.On day four, Rocchiccioli tore through Tasmania's lower order, finishing with 3 for 55 to help WA clinch their third straight title. His performance has put him in contention to succeed Nathan Lyon in the Test team.Rocchiccioli's rise has been meteoric. He has become a WACA specialist, utilizing his height and canny drift to generate awkward bounce and deceive batters. His performances have caught the attention of national selectors, who were in attendance during the final.While Rocchiccioli remains humble about his chances of playing for Australia, his outstanding performances have consigned left-arm spinner Ashton Agar to the outer for WA. Rocchiccioli paid tribute to Agar, his club cricket teammate and close friend, for his support and guidance.Rocchiccioli's success is a testament to his determination and resilience. Despite not coming through WA's strong pathway program, he has worked tirelessly to establish himself as one of the most promising young spinners in the country.

Western Australia's dominance in Australian domestic cricket continued as they clinched a historic hat-trick of Sheffield Shield titles with a crushing 377-run victory over Tasmania at the WACA.Resuming on day four with a commanding lead of 316 runs, WA's batsmen extended their advantage to 537 before declaring their second innings on 376. Hilton Cartwright led the way with an unbeaten 94, while Cameron Gannon and Corey Rocchiccioli wreaked havoc with the ball for Tasmania.Tasmania's chase of an improbable 538 runs proved futile as they were bowled out for a mere 160 in just 40.5 overs. Gannon starred with a five-wicket haul, while Rocchiccioli claimed three wickets.The Tasmanian innings imploded under a withering new-ball spell from Gannon and Joel Paris, who reduced them to 26 for 3. Beau Webster, the Shield's leading run-scorer, provided a brief glimmer of hope with a spectacular diving catch to dismiss Aaron Hardie, but his dismissal late in the day ended any chance of a miracle.WA's victory cemented their status as the powerhouse of Australian domestic cricket. It was only the second three-peat over the past 20 years and WA's first since the late 1980s. They are also the only team to have won three consecutive Sheffield Shield and Marsh Cup titles.Tasmania, who needed an outright victory to end an 11-year drought, played aggressively but were outmatched by WA's brilliant attack. WA dominated all facets of the match, while Tasmania appeared overmatched after missing their chance to host the final due to a last-round loss to South Australia.

Western Australia has seized control of the Sheffield Shield final against Tasmania, thanks to a relentless bowling attack that claimed crucial wickets on day two. Tasmania ended the day at 152 for 6, trailing WA's first-innings total of 347 by 195 runs.Cameron Gannon led the charge for WA, exploiting his height to devastating effect. He dismissed Jordan Silk and Beau Webster late in the day, leaving Tasmania in a precarious position. Spinner Corey Rocchiccioli, despite battling the flu, continued his impressive season with two wickets, including the dismissal of opener Caleb Jewell.WA's first innings received a boost from debutant Cooper Connolly, who fell just short of becoming the second-youngest Shield final centurion. Connolly's 90, along with contributions from Hilton Cartwright (55) and Josh Inglis (50), helped WA post a formidable total.Tasmania's chase got off to a shaky start as Matthew Wade was trapped lbw by Gannon before lunch. Jewell and Charlie Wakim fought back with a 68-run partnership, but WA's pressure eventually proved too much. Rocchiccioli dismissed Wakim and Jewell in quick succession, leaving Tasmania reeling.In the final session, Aaron Hardie dismissed Jake Doran, while Gannon and Paris continued to exploit the conditions. Tasmania's hopes of overtaking WA on bonus points are slim, meaning they must win the match to end their 11-year title drought.

Tasmania's hopes of hosting the Sheffield Shield final hang in the balance after South Australia set them a daunting target of 316 runs to chase. The Redbacks, who are out of contention for the final, bowled out Tasmania for a paltry 123 in their first innings, with Nathan McAndrew claiming 6 for 44.In response, South Australia posted 175 in their second innings, with Harry Nielsen top-scoring with 53. Beau Webster was the pick of the Tasmanian bowlers, taking 3 for 37.Tasmania's chase got off to a disastrous start when Matthew Wade was dismissed for a duck in the penultimate over of the day. The Australian international was adjudged to have touched Jordan Buckingham's delivery as he shouldered arms.With just one day remaining in the match, Tasmania need to bat out of their skins to avoid an upset loss and secure hosting rights for the final. They will likely meet the winner of Western Australia's clash with Victoria in the decider, though NSW remain a mathematical chance of qualifying if the game in Melbourne ends in an unlikely draw.

Nathan McSweeney's masterful century propelled South Australia to a competitive total of 271 against ladder-leading Tasmania on day one of their Sheffield Shield clash at Blundstone Arena.McSweeney, a player on the radar of national selectors, anchored the Redbacks' innings with a gritty 117 from 174 deliveries. Despite being dropped early on, he seized the opportunity to punish the Tasmanian bowlers, particularly after the Redbacks found themselves in a precarious position at 195 for 8.McSweeney's partnership with Brendan Doggett, who contributed just one run, proved crucial in rescuing South Australia from the brink. The 25-year-old reached his fifth Shield century with a boundary off Beau Webster, showcasing his resilience and determination.Tasmania's bowlers, led by Nathan McAndrew, made early inroads into the Redbacks' batting lineup. McAndrew's three wickets, including the dismissals of Jake Weatherald and Henry Hunt, left South Australia reeling at 27 for 3.In reply, Tasmania's openers, Matthew Wade and Gabe Bell, managed to weather the storm and remain unbeaten at stumps. However, the hosts still trail by a significant 244 runs, putting them on the back foot heading into day two.South Australia, currently fifth on the ladder, may not be in contention for the Shield final, but a victory could deny Tasmania the chance to host the decider next week. The Redbacks will be looking to build on McSweeney's heroics and continue their momentum, while Tasmania will need to find a way to contain the South Australian batsmen and make inroads into their batting lineup.

Matthew Wade, the Australian wicketkeeper-batter, will miss the Gujarat Titans' (GT) opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 to participate in the Sheffield Shield final for Tasmania. The Sheffield Shield final will be held from March 21st to 25th, coinciding with GT's first game against Mumbai Indians (MI) on March 25th.Wade's presence for GT's second match against Chennai Super Kings on March 27th is uncertain, while his availability for their third game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 31st is also in doubt.Tasmania head coach Jeff Vaughan confirmed that Wade has received permission from GT to play in the Sheffield Shield final. "He's spoken with his IPL franchise and they're happy to allow him to stay here, which probably equates to him potentially missing their first game," Vaughan said.Wade, who spent 10 years with Victoria, returned to Tasmania in the 2017-18 Sheffield Shield season and was part of the team that lost the final to Queensland.GT will enter IPL 2024 without Hardik Pandya, who has rejoined Mumbai Indians as captain. Shubman Gill will lead the Gujarat Titans in Pandya's absence.

Tasmania's Sheffield Shield title hopes received a major boost as they secured a thrilling 57-run victory over Victoria in Hobart. The win puts them in prime position to host the final for the first time in six years.Tasmania's triumph was built on a brilliant second-innings performance, with Beau Webster's unbeaten 167 proving pivotal. The allrounder's knock helped the hosts post a formidable 307, setting Victoria a challenging target of 442.Victoria's chase got off to a promising start, with Marcus Harris (76) and Peter Handscomb (71) putting on a century partnership. However, Tasmania's bowlers fought back, with Gabe Bell (4-21) and Iain Carlisle (4-58) leading the charge.The visitors suffered a crucial collapse on Sunday, losing four wickets for just 25 runs. This proved to be the turning point of the match, as Victoria's hopes of chasing down the total evaporated.Bell's dismissal of Victoria captain Will Sutherland in the first over of the final day set the tone for the morning session. Carlisle then wrapped up the match by removing Peter Siddle, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Tasmanian players.Webster's match-winning innings was a testament to his resilience and skill. The 26-year-old has been in impressive form throughout the season and his latest performance has further enhanced his reputation as one of Australia's most promising young batsmen.Tasmania's victory sets up an intriguing final-round clash with South Australia. A win or draw against the Redbacks will secure their place in the decider, while even a defeat could potentially see them through.Victoria's hopes of reaching the final are still alive, but they will need to overcome Western Australia in their final match. However, they will be without Will Pucovski, who suffered his 12th concussion after being hit on the helmet on Sunday.