Queensland will host Tasmania in the 2017-18 Sheffield Shield Final at Allan Border Oval starting this Friday. Perhaps not the two teams many expected to be contending for the title, but it’s hard to argue that these two teams aren’t most worthy to be there.
Queensland ended the season as the clear front runner, having locked up top spot even before the final round of the season. The Bulls amassed a total of 55 points, with six wins and three draws in their ten matches this season. That put them a full game clear of Tasmania who had to at least draw their last match of the season to reach the final. The Tigers did better than that, knocking off the reigning three-time champions in Victoria, to collect five wins, two draws and a total of 47.55 points for the season.
Both teams lack the star power that you might normally expect from the best teams in the domestic competition, but both have produced consistent performances from a variety of players, with several unheralded youngsters stepping up during the year.
For Queensland, a lot will ride on the shoulders of opener Joe Burns who is arguably the most credentialed player in the match. The former Test player has been cruelled by injury during the season but still managed 635 runs in the 6 matches he has played.
While Burns is the key wicket for the Tigers, the Bulls do have some strong batting depth. Matthew Renshaw has returned to form this season averaging 40+ but a warm-up mishap in the final match of the season saw Renshaw leave the game due to concussion. He has been named in the squad for the final, but a history of concussion might count against him if it’s a doctor’s decision as to whether he plays. If Renshaw is left out, then Lachlan Pfeffer will take his place.
Marnus Labuschagne is the other Bull amongst the runs this season. His 758 runs puts him in third spot on the batting leaderboard this season, and a solid effort in the final might see him top the list with is a great effort.
With the ball, Queensland have been carried by the swing of all-rounder Michael Neser with 37 wickets this season. He has really enjoyed the Duke balls since Christmas, and has been well supported by Luke Feldman (33 wickets), Jack Wildermuth (27) and leggie Mitch Swepson (32). It’s hard to imagine the pitch being dry, given the fact that Queensland only need a draw to win the title, but if there’s any spin in the wicket, then Queensland certainly have an advantage there.
The Tigers have also built their season post-Christmas on the back of the swinging Duke balls. Jackson Bird missing the tour of South Africa was Tasmania’s gain as he has picked up 35 wickets this season in his seven games. However it’s certainly been a team bowling unit with Tom Rogers (35), Sam Rainbird (35) and Andrew Fekete (21 from 5 games) all causing havoc with the ball. Tasmania have not played a spinner all season, instead using Simon Milenko as a fifth pace bowler in the all-rounder slot.
The Tassie quicks have certainly backed up a team batting effort that has shown some real spine post-Christmas after some dismal performances early in the season. The inclusion of Jordan Silk after injury has really provided some stability at the top of the order, and the Tigers ability to bat first, grind down their opponents and build a solid score has provided the foundation for their success. Beau Webster is emerging as a cricketer while Jake Doran has been the standout this season for the Tigers. Doran’s consistency has been a highlight with 722 runs including 6 half-centuries. Forgotten Test keeper Matthew Wade has also been strong with 546 runs and 2 hundreds.
The only concern for the Tigers is the form of the experienced duo of Alex Doolan and skipper George Bailey. Doolan scored half his season’s runs in one innings, which really masks a horrid season. It wouldn’t be a shock if he is left out for Ben McDermott.
Since their last Shield victory in 2012-13, Tasmania have collected the wooden spoon twice and finished second-last twice. A review of their infrastructure last season has quick paid dividends with coach Adam Griffith having great influence on this playing group.
Tasmania have five days to secure a result in the final, and their blueprint will be to once again bat first and grind out a sizable first innings total. If that happens, then their swing bowers should be every chance to get twenty wickets. If this was at the Gabba, then I would like their chances even more. The concern is that Allan Border Field produces a flat road to assist the hosts. Queensland’s last Shield victory was in 2011-12 when they defeated Tasmania. Can they do it again?
I’m going to lean towards the underdogs. Their batting has been rock solid and their underrated bowling attack has been lethal with the swinging ball. They demolished a star-studded Victorian side inside three days, and if there is any life in the wicket then I think they can cause an upset!
TIP: Tasmania to Win - $3.30 at Sportsbet
TIP: Jordan Silk Most 1st Innings Runs Tasmania - $6.00 at Ladbrokes
