Carey & McAndrew Heroics Secure SA's Back-to-Back Shield Titles

Carey's century sparks SA's Shield triumph

Alex Carey's gritty century sparks South Australia's stunning comeback win over Victoria, securing back-to-back Sheffield Shield titles.

“Our quicks have been great all year. To give them the ball and go to work was fantastic to see...” 

Alex Carey's gritty century sparked South Australia's stunning comeback, securing back-to-back Sheffield Shield titles with a 56-run win over Victoria. The Test wicketkeeper's 103 helped turn the tide after SA looked headed for defeat at 79-5 in the second innings.

Carey's crucial stand with Nathan McAndrew, who scored 60, proved decisive in the thrilling victory. McAndrew's efforts alongside Carey will be remembered as a key factor in SA's triumph.

The bowlers sealed the win at Melbourne's Junction Oval, denying Victoria their first domestic red-ball title since 2018-19.

“Very nervous, thinking maybe the game had just slipped through our hands,” South Australia captain Nathan McSweeney told reporters.

“But the boys, Kez (Carey) and Macca (McAndrew), to be able to spend so much time in the middle and chip away at a total... then to get 195 ahead just gave us so much momentum and something to really bowl at.

“Our quicks have been great all year. To give them the ball and go to work was fantastic to see,” he added.

Victoria grabbed the upper hand early, dismissing South Australia for 198, thanks to Will Sutherland's 4-54 and Fergus O'Neill's 3-30.

Victoria's strong start put them in control, with SA replying with 261, led by O'Neill's unbeaten 64 and Marcus Harris's 40. But things took a turn when SA crashed to 79-5, looking like a likely defeat.

Carey dug in, sharing a 105-run stand with McAndrew to set Victoria a tricky target of 196. Victoria looked like they'd make it, reaching 102-3, but then collapsed.

The SA bowlers turned the game, with Victoria losing 7-37 to be all out for 139. McAndrew, Scott, and Thornton were the heroes, each taking three wickets.

“The key moment was probably that partnership between McAndrew and Carey,” said Victoria skipper Sutherland.

“I still think we probably could have got it done this morning... it's still a bit of a young group that can maybe handle those chases under high pressure slightly better I think.”

South Australia's win last year was also fueled by a standout century from Carey, as they beat Queensland in the final.