At stumps on day 2 WA 8/323 had a comfortable lead over SA's 260. The pitch is taking spin so the Warriors will need to restrict the Redbacks to a modest second innings score to be confident of winning outright.
They should, if this season's form is any guide, be able to do this, even though SA attack showed commendable fight, taking wickets just as matters looked like getting out of hand. My prediction about the importance of the first session was only partly correct: a third wicket stand of 123 between Chris Rogers (95), who batted much more assuredly than on day 1 and Shaun Marsh (49) rebuilt the innings. When Rogers was out it was 4/191, Marcus North (48) and Adam Voges (69) made sure that first innings points were secured.
Ryan Harris, who until recently seemed to have been typecast as a limited overs player, confirmed his improvement with a further two wickets while the spin trio Cullen Bailey (in photos), Dan Cullen and Nathan Adcock all bowled steadily enough to suggest that they're capable of better things in the second innings.
The weather may yet influence the game: today was another ideal day with the temperature staying, contrary to the forecast, below 30. 37 and all that that implies is forecast for Saturday, with a late change.
There is some possibility of rain on Sunday, but IM(non-expert)O result-preventing weather is even less likely than a Redbacks batting revival, which is saying something.
Scorecard
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