From Shaun Marsh’s marathon innings to Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc being back to their characteristic best – the second round of the Sheffield Shield saw some significant contributions from top internationals. Here is the team of the week.
1. Marcus Harris (69 & 8)
Harris had a forgettable Ashes series in England and but has responded well to stay in contention for national selection ahead of the upcoming home summer. After scoring a century that was overshadowed by Nic Maddinson’s brilliance in the run-fest against South Australia last week, the left-hander carried on his good work against Western Australia, scoring 69 in the first innings.
He might’ve failed in the second outing, where he walked in to bat with his team trailing by 178, but his two notable performances in back-to-back games might’ve just reinstated his case to maintain a spot in the national team.
2. Marnus Labuschagne (1-19, 32, 0-9, 72*)
More such performances will surely ensure him a spot in the starting XI in the first of the two Tests against Pakistan next month.
10. Nick Winter (4-81 & 4-37)
Nick Winter was the second-best bowler on the show after Starc, bagging eight wickets against Tasmania. The 26-year-old snared four wickets in the first innings, including those of the set Marnus Labuschagne and Bryce Street. He picked up four more wickets in the second innings to revive hopes for his team, while defending 150, but it wasn’t enough as Labuschagne’s 72* ensured a four-wicket win for Tasmania.
11. David Moody (3-99 and 3-57)
The right-arm paceman grabbed three wickets in a space of six overs to help his team skittle out Victoria for 341 in the first innings. Having already accounted for the in-form Will Pucovski for 2 in the secomd innings, he combined with Stoinis in the latter stages to dismiss Harper and James Pattinson in quick succession to set-up a comfortable win for Western Australia.
