Doran rescues Tigers with maiden century

Jake Doran scored his maiden first-class century to save Tasmania’s blushes on day one of their JLT Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia.

Doran finished the day unbeaten on 103 as the Tigers limped 8-228 from 90 overs at stumps against a disciplined Redbacks bowling attack led by Adam Zampa’s 3-39.

Doran had posted four half-centuries in 31 innings before today’s breakthrough performance, a 258-ball effort that included nine boundaries. 

Tasmania won the toss and elected to bat but lost Alex Doolan (1) and George Bailey by the seventh over.

Opener Jordan Silk moved to 23 before paceman Cameron Valente (1-41) extracted an edge and sent the right-hander on his way for 23.

Silk’s dismissal brought dropped Australia gloveman Matthew Wade to the crease, and in concert with Doran, the pair fashioned a 66-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

With two close-in catchers on the on-side, Wade picked out Jake Weatherald stationed at short mid-wicket to fall for 30 and give Zampa his first victim for the day.

The leg-spinner then added Ben McDermott (18) and Beau Webster (4) to his wicket tally as Doran poked, prodded and survived at the other end.

The left-hander found a partner in Tom Rogers (33) to put on 62 before the allrounder scooped Kane Richardson (2-59) to Travis Head at short mid-off. 

Joe Mennie (2-52) castled Sam Rainbird (6) to put Doran at risk of running out of batsmen, but Gabe Bell 0 off 11 balls) held his nerve as 20-year-old Doran would not be denied his first Shield ton. 

Tasmania XI: George Bailey (C), Jordan Silk, Alex Doolan, Jake Doran, Matthew Wade, Ben McDermott,  Beau Webster, Tom Rogers, Sam Rainbird, Gabe Bell, Riley Meredith 

South Australia XI: Travis Head (c), Jake Weatherald, John Dalton, Callum Ferguson, Jake Lehmann, Tom Cooper, Alex Carey, Cameron Valente, Joe Mennie, Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson