October 17 Thursday 2002
Johnson, Blewett put South Australia in control

ADELAIDE, Australia: An unbroken 241-run second-wicket stand between Ben Johnson and Greg Blewett put South Australia in control in their Sheffield Shield match with Victoria at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday.

At stumps on the second day, South Australia were 268 for one with Johnson unbeaten on 143 and Blewett not out 96. SA held an overall lead of 264 runs with nine second-innings wickets in hand and two days remaining to press for an outright win.

Victoria gained first-innings points when they pushed their 94 for 7 at the start of the day to overtake SA's first innings of 149 with 153. Victoria's NSW recruit Graeme Rummans top-scored for his new side with an unbeaten 69 to guide the Victorians to first-innings points.

In Brisbane, opening batsman Brendan Nash batted throughout the first day to lead champions Queensland to a strong position against New South Wales at the Gabba. At stumps, Queensland were 299 for 4 in their first innings with Nash unbeaten on 141 and Lee Carseldine on 17.

Andrew Symonds hit five fours and a six before he was caught for 42 from as many balls.

Scores:
In Adelaide: South Australia 149 (G Blewett 36, M Higgs 33; W Carr 4-42) & 268-1 (B Johnson 143*, G Blewett 96*) v Victoria 153 (G Rummans 69*, M Elliott 25; M Miller 7-55).
In Brisbane: Queensland 299-4 (B Nash 141*, A Symonds 42; D Nash 2-39) v New South Wales.