McAndrew’s Five Gets Defending Champions South Australia Up and Running

South Australia’s 2025–26 Sheffield Shield title defence started in style with pacer Wes Agar McAndrew delivering a breath taking five-wicket performance to tear Victoria apart and lay the foundations for a dominant victory at Adelaide. With a jittery pre-season accompanied by doubts over form and fitness, McAndrew’s incendiary spell not only revived his own confidence but also made it clear that the defending champions have not lost any edge.

The game was played under perfect conditions for the bowlers, with early morning fog providing a good bite to the new ball. Captain Jake Lehmann won the toss and decided to bowl, putting faith in his pace unit to strike early — a move that paid rich dividends within minutes. McAndrew, in control with rhythm and venom, struck twice in his first over to dismiss Marcus Harris and Will Pucovski, leaving Victoria dazed at 7 for 2. There was no looking back from there.

Combining full-length balls with impeccably disguised bouncers, McAndrew used the surface to perfection. His mastery over seam movement was on display as he bowled an unplayable spell in the morning session, finishing with figures of 5 for 48 in 15 overs. The removal of Peter Handscomb, knocked over by an inswinger after a succession of outswingers, was a testament to his tactical muturation.

Victoria’s supposed to be very strong on-paper batting line-up was sent crumbling for a paltry 182 runs. Sam Harper alone had the resilience to play a fighting 54, but the lower order was once again cleaned out in no time after McAndrew came back for his second spell. His dominance was so complete that even the normally stoic Harper conceded after the match, “He was relentless. Every ball felt like a question we couldn’t answer.”

South Australia’s batting team replied by not letting McAndrew’s work go in vain. Henry Hunt led the resistance with a determined 92, supported by Nathan McSweeney’s 63, which flowed smoothly. The pair’s partnership of 121 pushed the Redbacks to a strong total of 324, leaving them 142 ahead. While Victoria’s Scott Boland took three wickets, the hosts remained in total command.

The second innings was also a tale of McAndrew’s determination. Although he failed to repeat his five-for, his initial breakthroughs prevented Victoria from ever getting going. He bowled out Harris once more, this time with a peach that angled back sharply. Before spinner Ben Manenti swept up the tail, Victoria were bowled out for 215, leaving South Australia with a modest 74 to chase on the last morning.

Speaking after the match, McAndrew credited the team’s clarity and preparation: “We had a strong pre-season focus on discipline and adaptability. Winning as defending champions means you’re the hunted team, and that pressure drives us.”

Coach Jason Gillespie, who appeared visibly satisfied, commended McAndrew’s revival: “He’s battled his way back from a difficult period with injuries. This effort says volumes about his class and application. It’s the sort of bowling that puts you in a position to win titles.”

The win not only served to give South Australia an ideal opening to their campaign but also set the tone for the remainder of the season. The national champions had been in the dock after losing a couple of the senior members to national commitments, but this win quieted any fears. Young players such as Jake Weatherald and Harry Nielsen also impressed, proving the strength in depth within the team.

For McAndrew, the five-wicket haul could be more than a fabulous beginning — it’s a declaration that he’s prepared to spearhead the Redbacks’ pace unit once more. As the Shield season goes on, consistency will be the key, but if this performance is anything to go by, South Australia appear poised to retain their crown with authority and intensity.

With one match down and momentum firmly in their corner, the Redbacks’ message is clear: the champions are back, and they mean business.