A fighting five-wicket haul from veteran quick Cameron Gannon has hauled Western Australia back from the brink and into their Sheffield Shield contest against Victoria at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Gannon Leads Fightback After Victoria's Strong Start
After being dismissed for a modest 194 in their first innings, WA watched as the ladder-leading Victorians built a commanding position at 3-166 in reply. The visitors, sitting last on the Shield table with just one win from five matches, were staring down the barrel of a significant deficit.
However, the 35-year-old Gannon inspired a dramatic collapse, claiming four of the final five wickets to finish with outstanding figures of 5-47 from 23 overs. His efforts, supported by spinner Corey Rocchiccioli (2 wickets), helped bowl Victoria out for 255, a lead of only 61 runs.
Marsh Looms as Key to WA's Hopes
Western Australia's batting response began shakily, losing opener Cameron Bancroft for two before stumps on day two. Notably, star all-rounder Mitch Marsh did not emerge at number three, with nightwatchman Rocchiccioli (1 not out) sent in instead. Captain Sam Whiteman (2 not out) will resume with WA at 1-5, still trailing by 56 runs.
All eyes will now be on Marsh, whose contribution in the second innings will be central to WA's hopes of setting a competitive target and leaving enough time to bowl Victoria out a second time for what would be only their second win of the season.
Victoria's Batting Highlights and Missed Opportunity
For the hosts, opener Blake Macdonald fell agonisingly short of a maiden first-class century, dismissed for a well-made 79. White-ball specialist Matt Short provided a brisk 62, but the Victorian lower order crumbled against Gannon's persistent seam bowling.
Gannon praised his bowling group's resilience. "We've given ourselves a chance, we've fought back and shown a bit of grit," he said. "I'm very proud of the bowling group... Hopefully, tomorrow, we can bat all day and make this a really good contest." The third day's play will determine if WA can complete a remarkable comeback.
