Sheffield Shield: Voges ton helps steer WA to impressive opening day total

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/mar/21/sheffield-shield-voges-wa-victoria-day-one

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Newly named Shield player of the year and WA skipper Adam Voges notched up a century in the final session and ended the day unbeaten on 100 to help steer the Warriors to 310-4 against Victoria.

Spinner Fawad Ahmed was Victoria’s most damaging force against Western Australia’s resilient batsmen, recording a modest 3-65, the only light in a tough day for the Victorians.

The talismanic Voges racked up his sixth ton for the 2014-15 season for which he is the competition’s top run-scorer. It was not such a happy tale for Test hopeful Shaun Marsh (6) who was out cheaply, caught behind when a Ahmed wrong’un caught an edge and carried.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, WA started strongly with a 130-run partnership from openers Cameron Bancroft (55) and Marcus Harris (81).

Bancroft was the first to go, caught behind from a delivery from the economical Peter Siddle (1-42), who recorded 10 maidens among his 21 overs.

The departure of Bancroft was the first of three wickets lost in the space of 33 runs.

Harris made his greatest contribution for the Shield season before he was bowled by an Ahmed ball that spun around his legs to rattle the stumps.

Michael Klinger added 18 before being caught behind, leaving WA at 3-163.

The introduction of Voges added a steadying influence and, in partnership with Sam Whiteman, added 105 runs.

Victoria’s bowling attack stretched to seven names on Saturday, including James Pattinson (0-84) who returned to the team after a hamstring strain.

Ahmed’s success inspired a short spell by spinner David Hussey (0-15).

Voges and Whiteman will resume for WA on Sunday.