The match between Tasmania and Victoria ended in a draw as Tim Ward and captain Jordan Silk made 50s to help Tasmania maintain their position at the top of the Sheffield Shield ladder. Stormy late-spring weather in Melbourne forced an early tea on Wednesday and ultimately led to the match being called off with no chance of a result at Melbourne’s Junction Oval. Tasmania lost an early wicket on the final day, but Ward and Silk’s third-wicket partnership of 163 runs ensured Tasmania finished the match unbeaten. Although there was some excitement early on day four when Tasmania’s Charlie Wakim was dismissed for 9, Ward and Silk’s solid batting performance dashed any hopes of a last-day fightback from Victoria. Ward and Silk’s contributions with the bat, along with Victoria’s Marcus Harris’ 164, made for a tame draw. Victoria’s Travis Dean was sidelined from the match due to concussion, but the team is optimistic about his return for their next Shield game. Additionally, Fergus O’Neill and Mitchell Perry sustained ankle injuries while bowling in Tasmania’s second innings, with Perry not being able to travel for the upcoming one-day match. However, both players are expected to be fit for next week’s Shield game.
