South Australia 299 & 6 for 66 (Hunt 27*, Morris 3-32, Kelly 2-12) trail Western Australia 444 (Whiteman 193, Bancroft 135, Manenti 5-107) by 79 runs
On an overcast and cool day, continuing Perth’s mild spring though Melbourne’s weather was more of a talking point amongst those in the terraces, South Australia had initially fought back through their accurate seamers.
Bancroft and Whiteman, however, remained unruffled as they passed South Australia’s first innings total and crossed 300 to hearty applause from the smattering of fans.
They appeared well poised to bat through a third straight session until Bancroft’s 324-ball knock ended when he played on to the hard-working Agar. The 308-run partnership was WA’s fifth-highest opening stand, but it was followed by the home team collapsing after lunch.
Agar was further rewarded after knocking over in-form Hilton Cartwright with a pearler that hit the top of off stump leaving Whiteman, who made a pair against Queensland, to take charge.
He countered successfully by scooping pacer Liam Scott to the boundary, but his counterattack ended three balls later as Whiteman trudged off to a standing ovation from the WACA faithful.
After South Australia’s bowlers had toiled for over 100 overs without reward, wickets came in a flourish with WA looking to accelerate.