A Childhood Dream: South Australia’s Quest for One-Day Glory
When Nathan McSweeney was a 12-year-old cricket enthusiast in Queensland, his adopted state of South Australia was basking in the glory of their most recent one-day cricket triumph. It was 2011-12, and SA had clinched the domestic one-day competition in a thrilling final against Tasmania. The scores were tied, but SA’s superior performance in the preliminary rounds secured them the win. Now, over a decade later, McSweeney stands as the captain of the South Australian team, with a chance to end the state’s long drought when they host Victoria at Adelaide Oval on Saturday for the newly-named Dean Jones Trophy. "We all know that it has been a long time since we have been able to win something," McSweeney reflected during a press conference on Friday. "So it would be special if we could do it. Our preparation this week has been elite, so hopefully it translates to some good performances."
The Pressure of Long-Awaited Success
South Australia’s absence from the one-day trophy podium is just one chapter in a larger narrative of the state’s cricketing ambitions. The team also holds the top position with two rounds remaining in the Sheffield Shield, a competition they haven’t won since 1995-96. "We haven’t had the success we would have liked over the last few years," McSweeney admitted. "But at the start of the year, this is exactly where we wanted to be, so everyone is super excited." The pressure is palpable, but the excitement and determination in the SA camp are equally evident. The team is eager to cap their promising season with a couple of crucial Shield matches and a potential one-day title. "And hopefully our best cricket is to come. We have got an obviously very important game tomorrow and hopefully a couple more Shield games to finish the year," McSweeney added, emphasizing the team’s focus and optimism.
A Strong Start in the One-Day Competition
Both South Australia and Victoria have performed commendably in the one-day competition, with each side securing four wins. However, it was SA’s three bonus point victories that earned them the right to host the final. A standout moment in the team’s campaign was their match against Victoria, where former Victorian batsman Mackenzie Harvey delivered an unbeaten 136 to lead SA to victory. Harvey, who moved to Adelaide after being cut from Victoria’s contracted player list at the end of last season, has been a linchpin for SA, topping the run-scorer’s list with 311 runs at an average of 62.20. "He has been elite for us," McSweeney said, praising the 24-year-old. "He is batting beautifully, knows the bowlers really well being from Victoria—hopefully he has got another good knock in him." Harvey’s familiarity with Victorian bowling and his stellar form make him a key player for South Australia in their bid for the trophy.
The Legacy of Dean Jones
The cup competition this season has taken on a new significance with its renaming to the Dean Jones Trophy, honoring the late Australian batting legend who passed away in 2020. Dean Jones was a prolific player for Victoria and a beloved figure in Australian cricket. His contribution to the sport and the state of Victoria is deeply ingrained in the hearts of many. "Dean Jones obviously played a lot for Victoria and did so much for Victorian cricket," said Victorian captain Will Sutherland. "It is sad that Dean has passed away, but I am sure a lot of the boys, and I, had a little bit to do with him—a superstar. And it just makes it extra special that it is named after him." The renaming of the trophy serves as a poignant reminder of Jones’ legacy and the values he embodied—passion, skill, and determination. For both teams, the final is not just a contest for the title but also a tribute to one of cricket’s greatest.
The Michael Bevan Medal: A New Addition
Adding to the historical significance of the final, the player of the match will be awarded the Michael Bevan medal, named after the former Australian all-rounder who is widely regarded as one of the best one-day international batsmen. This introduction of the Michael Bevan medal is a fitting tribute to another cricketing legend. South Australia’s all-rounder Liam Scott, who was named the tournament’s player of the year earlier this week, could be a strong contender for the award. The recognition of these legends through such medals not only adds prestige to the competition but also serves as an inspiration to the players, encouraging them to emulate the high standards set by Jones and Bevan.
The Teams: Ready for the Battle
As the teams prepare for the final, both South Australia and Victoria are brimming with confidence and a sense of purpose. South Australia’s squad includes McSweeney, Jordan Buckingham, Brendan Doggett, Daniel Drew, Mackenzie Harvey, Jake Lehmann, Ben Manenti, Nathan McAndrew, Harry Nielsen, Lloyd Pope, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, and Henry Thornton. Each player brings a unique skill set and experience to the table, making the team a formidable force. On the other side, Victoria’s lineup consists of Will Sutherland, Scott Boland, Harry Dixon, Sam Elliott, Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, Marcus Harris, Campbell Kellaway, Todd Murphy, Fergus O’Neill, Ollie Peake, Tom Rogers, and Peter Siddle. The Victorian team, with its mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, will be a tough opponent. The final promises to be a clash of titans, with both teams striving to etch their names in the history books.
