Bancroft's 186 Puts Western Australia in Command as 18 Wickets Fall in Adelaide

Cameron Bancroft struck an emotional first century of the season as Western Australia took firm control of their Sheffield Shield match against South Australia in Adelaide on Thursday. Bancroft made 186, with Sam Goodwin adding 108 and Teague Wyllie an unbeaten 60, as Western Australia declared their first innings on 406 for 5. South Australia were then bundled out for just 154 in 37.1 overs, with Jhye Richardson ripping through the top order for 3 for 29 and coming within one decision of a hat-trick after dismissing Mackenzie Harvey and Nathan McSweeney and then seeing a huge appeal against Jake Lehmann turned down. Spinners Ashton Agar and Corey Rocchiccioli took two wickets each as the two-time defending champions folded, with Jake Weatherald's 40 the top score. Western Australia then stumbled themselves in their second innings, collapsing to 79 for 6 by stumps on a chaotic day when 18 wickets fell, with Brendan Doggett taking 3 for 19. Yet the visitors still ended the day 331 runs ahead with two days to play, leaving South Australia facing a long road back into a match that Bancroft's innings had already tilted decisively.