Head stars in SA Shield win against WA

South Australian captain Travis Head was so nervous he couldn't watch the final moments of a one-wicket Sheffield Shield win against Western Australia.

Novice captain Travis Head won it, but didn't see his South Australian side's one-wicket victory against Western Australia.

"I was too nervous," the 21-year-old captain said.

Head had compiled his maiden first-class century - 114 - as SA chased 316 to win deep into Monday's final session of the Sheffield Shield match in Adelaide.

He'd helped take the Redbacks to 4-269, on track for victory.

"We were in control, cruising really," Head said.

But then the young skipper was part of a South Australian stumble - they lost 5-39.

And they left last pair, fast bowlers Joe Mennie and Chadd Sayers, with 10 runs to get.

Head, the youngest captain in SA's 123-year history, disappeared into the change rooms.

"I didn't see it," he said.

"Me and Cossie (Mark Cosgrove) were going through old photos for about the last 10 runs.

"When we heard the cheer, we actually thought 'we've won'."

Head did not see Mennie, with two runs needed, smack a full ball from WA quick Michael Hogan through wide mid-off to the fence.

Hogan had been instrumental in WA's fightback - he finished with 3-54 and fellow paceman Simon Mackin took 3-63 as the Warriors almost stole victory.

Jason Behrendorff, Ashton Agar and Will Bosisto each claimed a wicket in a disciplined bowling performance.

But after SA opener Cosgrove made 63, the Warriors were thwarted by Head's heroics.

The left-hander had made 16 first-class half-centuries before, but never converted one into a ton.

With a mix of dare and determination, Head struck 14 fours and a six in a game-defining 150-ball knock.

"I feel really good at the moment and, as a leader, I want to lead from the front," he said.

"I take a little step today in doing that.

"But I learnt again in this game how to play four-day cricket and (want to) continue to learn as a captain.

"To chase 300 on a day-four wicket anywhere really is a great achievement."


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2 min read

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Source: AAP



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