Siddle Ends First-Class Career on a High as WA Fall in Thrilling Finale

Peter Siddle Ends First-Class Career in Style as Victoria Stuns WA in Sheffield Shield Thriller

Victoria secured a dramatic 34-run victory over Western Australia at the WACA, ending WA’s hopes of a historic fourth consecutive Sheffield Shield title while providing a fitting farewell for veteran pacer Peter Siddle in his final first-class match.

Siddle, who finished with 792 wickets from 231 first-class games, played a decisive role in Victoria’s triumph. He removed the dangerous Cooper Connolly in the final session and then sealed the match with just 16 balls remaining, dismissing Corey Rocchiccioli. Victoria’s win was effectively confirmed moments earlier when Campbell Kellaway, who had scored the match’s only century, took a stunning one-handed catch at fine leg to remove Cameron Gannon.

Victoria Ends Season on a High as Siddle Bows Out

Siddle's farewell performance saw him claim 4 for 67 in WA’s second innings, finishing his illustrious 19-year first-class career on a high. His impact on the team was evident, with Victoria captain Will Sutherland praising him after the match:
"It’s been an incredible career, and we’re still trying to convince him to go again next season!"

Despite the victory, Victoria missed out on a spot in the final after Queensland’s draw against South Australia secured their place. The Shield final will now be played between South Australia and Queensland at Karen Rolton Oval, starting March 26.

Sutherland expressed mixed emotions about the season’s conclusion, saying:
"We’ve only got ourselves to blame. We did win four games while Queensland won three, yet they made the final because of the bonus points system. There were two games we should have won."

WA’s Brave Chase Falls Short

Chasing 382 off 84 overs, WA fought valiantly but ultimately fell short. Connolly, returning to Shield cricket after his Test debut and a Champions Trophy campaign, was instrumental in their resistance with a fluent 56. He built a crucial 107-run partnership with Hilton Cartwright (79), which gave WA hope at 233 for 4.

However, Victoria’s bowlers struck at key moments. Sutherland bowled Cartwright off the inside edge, and wicketkeeper Joel Curtis was stumped off Todd Murphy while attempting an aggressive charge.

Even with WA slipping to 242 for 6, Connolly kept belief alive. He reached his half-century with a towering six into the construction site at the WACA, as a sparse but growing crowd sensed a thrilling finish. But when Connolly miscued a drive off Siddle to cover, WA’s resistance crumbled. Gannon attempted a last-ditch counterattack before Kellaway’s stunning catch sealed Victoria’s triumph.

Kellaway’s Masterclass and Siddle’s Final Impact

Victoria’s innings was anchored by Kellaway, who remained unbeaten on 165 from 338 balls. His marathon knock, watched closely by Australia selector Tony Dodemaide, provided the backbone for Victoria’s match-winning total.

Siddle’s farewell match started with a bang as he dismissed WA captain Sam Whiteman for a golden duck in the first over. It was a forgettable match for Whiteman, who registered a pair after scoring just seven in the first innings.

Despite WA’s best efforts, Victoria’s experienced bowlers and Kellaway’s brilliance proved too much. As the final wicket fell, Siddle received a guard of honor from both teams—a fitting tribute to a legendary first-class career.

With the season now concluded for Victoria, the focus shifts to the Sheffield Shield final, where South Australia will host Queensland in what promises to be another thrilling contest.

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