CA XI surge to innings win early on day three after incredible haul by young SA paceman
The Cricket Australia XI has romped to an innings-and-38-run win over Bangladesh in Darwin, with the tourists rolled for 54 just five days out from their Test series opener against Australia.
And the star turn for the home side was South Australia left-arm paceman Campbell Thompson, who produced the remarkable figures of 8-25 from 11 overs to almost singlehandedly inflict the carnage.
Thompson had struck twice late on day two to leave Bangladesh in early trouble at 2-19 in their second innings, and the 22-year-old continued on his merry way this morning, adding six more victims to likely send shockwaves through the visitors’ camp.
“To clean it up this morning, I had a clear process – just try to use the new ball, swing it and hit the stumps – and I was lucky enough to get a few wickets,” said the quick, who has just one first-class match to his name.
“The length we had to bowl in the second innings was probably a bit shorter than in the first innings – so just dragging it back a bit, hitting the top of the stumps, and (keeping those) clear processes was the main goal.
“I feel like I’m a new-ball bowler, so I’m just trying to swing the ball and hit the stumps, and I got lucky this time.”
Thompson was returning from a torn hamstring which he has recovered from through the off-season, and the paceman justified his selection with the remarkable haul to round out a strong win for the home side after WA off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli took six wickets on day one and Tasmania recruit Teague Wyllie hit 130 yesterday.
Rocchiccioli rounded out an impressive showing with figures of 2-6 from four overs in the second innings.
Bangladesh tour of Australia
Warm-up match v Cricket Australia XI, August 6-8, Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin, 10am (local)
First Test: August 13-17, Marrara Stadium, Darwin, 10am (local)
Second Test: August 22-26, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, 10am (local)
