Inglis and Whiteman Power Western Australia in Sheffield Shield Clash

Western Australia mounted a resilient comeback on the opening day of their Sheffield Shield match against Queensland, thanks to outstanding performances by batsmen Josh Inglis and Sam Whiteman. The match is taking place at the iconic WACA Ground, with Western Australia closing day one at 7-319 after a rocky start.

Josh Inglis played an aggressive, one-day international-style innings, scoring 122 runs off just 117 balls. His crucial partnership with Sam Whiteman, who scored 102 runs off 237 balls, helped stabilize the team after an early collapse. Together, the duo compiled a 203-run partnership that contrasted starkly with Western Australia’s earlier struggles.

The early phases of the innings saw Western Australia reeling at 3-18, following a devastating opening spell by Queensland’s Michael Neser. The two-Test seamer wreaked havoc, taking five wickets for 48 runs in his 22 overs. Neser had a dream start to the season, removing Cameron Bancroft with a golden duck and claiming Jayden Goodwin‘s wicket on the very next ball.

“The start we had wasn’t ideal, but it’s nice to build a partnership with Whitey, who played beautifully,” said Inglis, reflecting on the day’s play. “I love playing cricket for WA and I love playing here at the WACA. I’ve had some great success over the last few years in Shield cricket,” he added.

Meanwhile, Whiteman’s innings was equally crucial, setting a firm foundation for the team’s total. Western Australia was in dire need of stability after Neser’s early breakthroughs, which included the dismissal of Mitch Marsh for just a single run, after surviving a potential hat-trick ball.

An interesting interruption occurred during the middle session when the ball was hit into a construction zone. Hilton Cartwright, who scored 38 runs, struck a six off Mitchell Swepson, leading to a temporary delay as construction workers scoured the site to retrieve the ball. Cartwright’s dismissal came just four balls later, his innings ending with the ball ricocheting off his pads onto the stumps.

Inglis brought some flair to the proceedings, hitting 14 fours and two sixes on his way to a quick century, reaching the milestone in just 93 balls. His aggression complemented Whiteman’s steady approach, enabling Western Australia to claw back from 4-77 to 4-280.

Neser later returned to dismiss Whiteman and clean bowled Matt Kelly, securing a five-for as Western Australia slipped from 295 to 319 for the loss of three quick wickets at the close of play. This concentration of wickets towards the end of the day handed a slight advantage back to Queensland.