While the eyes of the Australian cricketing public were firmly focused on the meeting between Steve Smith and David Warner, a young gun stole the show to secure an important win for Sutherland.
Sutherland traveled to Coogee Oval on Saturday for the much anticipated clash with Randwick Petersham, the first on-field meeting between former Australia captain and vice-captain Smith and Warner since the now infamous ball-tampering scandal.
A crowd of more than 4,000 were on hand as the Sharks scored their second win in a row to build further momentum after a slow start to the season.
And it was Austin Waugh who starred, taking three wickets – including Warner’s – before making 46 not out to get Sutherland home with a six with two balls to spare.
The Australian under-19s representative and son of legendary former Test captain Steve, Waugh held Sutherland’s middle order together as the visitors won by three wickets to move within three points of the top six.
Earlier Smith and Warner, serving 12-month bans from domestic and international cricket for their roles in the events that transpired in Cape Town in March, had shared a handshake and a hug before the match as Sutherland captain Chris Williams won the toss and sent the hosts in.
Waugh struck first, dismissing Warner for 13 thanks to Daniel Fallins’ catch at backward point.
Giant quick Tom Pinson (3-76) was expensive but still picked up three wickets as he and Waugh (3-43) combined to restrict Randwick Petersham to 8/267 from their 50 overs.
Smith (1-35) was again involved with the ball, picking up the valuable wicket of Randwick’s English import Daniel Bell-Drummond (106) who had anchored his side’s innings.
In reply, former Test all-rounder Shane Watson had Sutherland off to a flying start despite opening partner Jarryd Biviano being knocked over for 1. Watson smashed five fours and as many sixes to make 63 from just 41 deliveries, sharing a 69-run partnership with Smith.
Smith controlled the tempo of Sutherland’s run chase making 48 from 71 balls before he was stumped off the bowling of former Sharks spinner Riley Ayre.
Williams (55) notched a half century before Waugh took over. The young all-rounder faced just 37 balls, his only boundaries two sixes.
Sutherland required 11 from the final over with Waugh crushing the fourth delivery over the fence to secure victory.
The Sharks return to Glenn McGrath Oval on Saturday when they host high-flying Sydney at Caringbah on day one of their two-day, round six clash.
