Young fast bowler Sam Elliott cemented his place in Victoria’s first official match of the season with a record-breaking seven wickets against Tasmania in the One-Day Cup.
The son of former Test opener Matthew Elliott ran wild on the green pitch at Junction Oval under overcast skies as Tasmania were run out for 126 after falling 9-92.
Elliott has played 11 50-over games domestically, taking figures of 7-12 from eight overs, surpassing John Holland’s 6-29 as the best figure by a Victorian bowler in a One-Day Cup.
The right-arm fast bowler was brought in in the 11th over and Jordan Silk chased a full ball outside the off stumps and blasted his first ball behind the wicket to Sam Harper.
Watch the Australia vs England ODI live exclusively on FOX SPORTS, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
He caught Jake Weatherold for 31 off five balls to put Tasmania ahead 4-55 before taking five wickets in quick succession, four of them from Harper, who took two off the bowling of veteran Peter Siddle (2-26).
Elliott’s best wicket was the seventh, a length ball that rose awkwardly and caught the outside edge of Bradley Hope’s bat.
“What Sam Elliott is doing is absolutely incredible. He’s had some good performances for Victoria over the years… but to achieve this kind of performance is the most incredible thing in the world,” commentator Adam White said on Fox Cricket.
Former Victorian spinner Fawad Ahmed called it a “miserable day” for Tasmania as they struggled on a wicket usually favourable to batsmen called Junction Oval.
Elliott’s figure remains the second-highest in a domestic 50-over match for Australia, behind Shaun Tate’s 8-43 against Tasmania in South Australia in 2004.
Harper and Queensland newcomer Josh Brown are set to bat for Victoria, while Tom Rogers is expected to step into a middle-order role after testing himself during pre-season.
Marcus Harris, who is desperately trying to make a BBL return this summer, has been named at No. 3 while captain Will Sutherland has been named at No. 7.
Tasmania have a weak bowling attack with Lily Meredith and Nathan Ellis both missing out after picking up injuries after being named for Australia’s tour of England.
Capped Test spinner Matt Kuenemann made his Tasmanian debut after arriving from Queensland in the off-season.
