We’ve delved into the history books to find the greatest Sheffield Shield contests since 2000, and one such match stood out – the 2003 SCG face-off between NSW and South Australia.
Steve Waugh’s Blues commanded the majority of the game thanks to impressive performances from two of their lesser-known players: opener Greg Mail notched 128 and 152no to provide a strong platform for his skipper, while Matthew Nicholson excelled with 5-36 to bowl SA out for 129 in just 36.3 overs.
This yielded a significant NSW lead, with the home team batting steadily at a rate of just under four runs per over across their two innings. Waugh’s declaration with the score at 4-299 arrived early on day three.
The scale of the task facing Darren Lehmann seemed insurmountable. No team in first-class history had ever successfully chased as many as the 521 set by NSW.
Lehmann, however, proved to be an exception. Against an attack comprising Stuart MacGill, Stuart Clark, Nathan Bracken, and Nicholson, he crafted a brilliant knock.
‘The only blot on this innings,’ he reflected later, ‘was we should’ve won the game.’
The SA skipper’s performance was a testament to his skill and determination. He and Graham Manou formed a crucial partnership, adding 50 for the third wicket and instilling confidence in the Redbacks’ camp.
Manou himself contributed a maiden first-class hundred from 113 balls, with Lehmann supporting him throughout. The SA skipper moved to 71no at tea, before surging to 149no by stumps.
The dropped catch by Mark Waugh with Lehmann on 90 proved to be a pivotal moment, and South Australia capitalized on this turning point to take the lead. By stumps on the final day, they required just 182 to secure victory.
Lehmann’s 150 was a defining moment in the game, and he continued to dominate, scoring 87 from his next 55 deliveries. The Redbacks’ momentum gathered pace, and they eventually secured a victory that will be remembered for years to come.
