BIG DAY AHEAD: Centrals skipper Jarrod Simpson will resume on one not out today for his side, currently 2-32, as they chase Cavaliers' 223 for victory. Photo: STEVE GOSCH 0119sgcrick5
CENTRALS skipper Jarrod Simpson believes his miss-firing side is capable of chasing down Cavaliers’ first innings total but it all hinges on the start.
Play resumes, weather permitting, today at 1pm with Centrals at 2-32 chasing down Cavs’ all out for 223 day one total.
Needing a further 191 for victory and with eight wickets still in the shed, Simpson knows the chance is there for his side to show why they’re the defending premiers, albeit champions out of the race to win another title.
He said a good start today at Wade Park could potentially rocket the side to just its third win of the summer.
“It’s just about getting a good start,” Simpson said.
“If we get a good start... if we bat all day we’ll get the runs but if we can’t do that then obviously we’re a chance of getting done.”
Cavaliers took their chances on day one with the willow.
Without a batter that went on to truly punish a gluttony of dropped catches from Centrals, Cavs were led by 44 from Brad Wright as well as solid contributions from James Ryan (40), Leon Lincoln (38 not out) and Richie Venner (34).
Centrals need to take the same chances.
“You can get out early in cricket, that happens, but if you get in it’s then your responsibility to go on with it,” Simpson added.
Simpson, arguably more than anyone in the Centrals line-up, has shouldered a large amount of the responsibility this season.
The side’s leading run scorer with 224 runs, the former Western Zone gun is one of the not out batsmen at the crease following stumps last week.
He’ll resume on one.
The other not out man is wicketkeeper-batsman Nick Dunlop.
Dunlop did the bulk of the hitting late on day one to finish play on 19no, however, shift work will prevent the explosive opener from resuming his innings.
Jake Pauletto will have that responsibility.
Simpson said the chance was there, it was now up to his batting order to grab it.
“We just have to bat as long as we can,” he said.
“I don’t (feel any extra pressure), I’d still feel just as much responsible even if I wasn’t (captain). It’s only cricket, you’ve just got to go out there and get the job done. Anyone who gets a bat, if they get in, they need to go on with it.”
Play will resume between Cavaliers and Centrals from 1pm today at Wade Park.
