queensland 223 for 1 (Peirson 100*, Renshaw 72*) beaten South Australia 218 (McSweeney 137, Guthrie 4-15, Straker 3-54) off 9 wickets
“Personally, I’m in a great place with my technique and the way I go about my business and it was really nice to get a win,” Peirson told AAP. “I missed selection for the first two days and I really wanted to get the job done today. It was great to do it.”
Last Guthrie bowled the damaging Jake Fraser-McGurk with an inswinger and his three quick wickets in six crisp overs put the hosts in control.
South Australia scored 29 for 4 in the 12th over and the shelf. McSweeney was supported initially by Thomas Kelly in a 90-run stand for the fifth wicket.
The wickets then fell as McSweeney unfurled a series of sweetly timed guard strokes up and down the infield as the captain made it look like he was batting with a different sound to his teammates.
“One of the best knocks we have seen in one-day cricket,” former Australia teacher and batsman Darren Lehmann said in a statement.
Lehmann is pushing for McSweeney or New South Wales opener Sam Konstas to join Khawaja in controlling the Test-line series against the Republic of India.
McSweeney will captain Australia’s team against the Republic of India after the match in Mackay. Peirson will secure the spot for the second match in Melbourne.
He is behind Alex Carey and Josh Inglis in the Australian pecking series and is set for national honours.
“Jorge [Bailey] It’s been very clear how they see things right now,” Peirson said. “Alex has been doing the testing work, Ingo is right on his heels and I’m right behind Ingo. It’s a healthy place to be. I am very clear about my position. You are always pushing to get closer to the game of Test cricket.
“Any sport for Australia A is a great proclamation and there is no uncertainty on the board, as you mention. I am happy to connect with Buddha. [McSweeney] Once again, a great Queensland boy.”
