South Australian Cricket Team

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. R.P. Wortley:

That this council—

1. Congratulates the South Australian Cricket Team on winning the 2024-25 Sheffield Shield;

2. Notes the win is South Australia's first in almost 30 years;

3. Acknowledges the historic nature of South Australia's double trophy after also winning the state's first One-Day Cup in 13 years;

4. Recognises the exceptional effort and performance of the entire squad; and

5. Acknowledges the efforts of the state government, Adelaide City Council and the South Australian Cricket Association in transforming Karen Rolton Oval, doubling its capacity for the event.

(Continued from 30 April 2025.)

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (17:50): I thank the government for their indulgence. I rise on behalf of the opposition to support the Hon. Mr Wortley's motion. It is a very good motion and one of which all South Australians can be proud.

The date of Saturday 29 March 2025 holds great significance for cricket enthusiasts and proud South Australians alike. Indeed, it was a day to be truly proud to be a South Australian. It was on this date, of course, that supporters rejoiced as South Australia triumphed over Queensland with a four-wicket victory during the Sheffield Shield final, a tournament held at Karen Rolton Oval. South Australia triumphed to win its first Sheffield Shield title in some three decades, an extraordinary length of time, making it a significant achievement for the team, and a sigh of relief for many of us, I can assure you.

I vividly recall the moment when South Australia won its last Sheffield Shield title, as I said, nearly three decades ago. I remember I was actually driving at the time, listening to the live radio commentary that broadcast every ball and every moment of the game. Indeed, I remember it really well. As the match drew to its conclusion, I actually had to pull over because I was concentrating more on the radio than I was on the road so I could listen to the last few balls. I wonder if anyone else in this chamber was so absorbed in it as I was. That is maybe the sad truth. I am a cricket tragic.

That match had the real nail-biting factor, with tailenders Peter McIntyre and Shane George, for those of you who remember them, securing victory for South Australia. Of course, this year, South Australia has finally done it again after what has been a very long wait.

On behalf of the opposition I would like to formally congratulate the South Australian cricket team on winning the 2024-25 Sheffield Shield. Well done to the players and the coaching staff. They showcased their skills, their dedication and perseverance throughout what has been a demanding season. It is, indeed, a memorable victory for so many reasons.

Coach Ryan Harris led South Australia to its first Sheffield Shield in 30 years as a new coach. Through his leadership and tactics, Harris was instrumental in shaping the South Australian cricket team to achieving this great success on the field. I congratulate him.

I congratulate player of the match, Brendan Doggett, for his sterling and best-ever Sheffield Shield 11-wicket bowling performance. It is not often that somebody is able to achieve 11 wickets in a game of cricket. He gave an exceptional performance and it was a great display of skill and courage and I commend him for it.

I also congratulate captain Nathan McSweeney and the entire squad on a successful and historic 2025 campaign. The teamwork and strength displayed by McSweeney, who, of course, has featured in the Australian cricket team in recent times, and the whole state team, has been truly of the highest calibre.

I should also note that, in a double display of cricketing dominance by the South Australian team, the team earlier in March claimed the one-day competition trophy, as members would no doubt be aware, the first time that South Australia has done so in some 13 years. I guess in a sense there are two reasons to celebrate.

The Sheffield Shield victory was not only marked by a great moment in the cricket history of South Australia but also highlighted the team's resilience and determination and it is one that South Australians can be truly proud of. We celebrate this victory and as the team already starts thinking about next year when, who knows, we may do it again and go back to back, I want to pass on from the opposition our sincere congratulations. It is a tremendous effort and something of which all South Australians can be proud.

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (17:54): I rise to support the motion and to reflect on the pride South Australians continue to feel following our state's historic Sheffield Shield victory, which I am sure is something that we very much all agree on in this chamber. While the celebrations have passed, the significance of this achievement remains front of mind, not only for what is it represents on the field but for the way it brought our community together.

Firstly, I wish to acknowledge and congratulate the South Australian men's cricket team. To the players, coaches, staff and their families I want to say thank you. Your collective commitment, professionalism and determination delivered one of the most memorable seasons in our state's cricketing history. South Australia has not won the Sheffield Shield since 1995-96. That is almost three decades without lifting the prestigious prize and I can guarantee you it is a very heavy shield. This team believed, worked hard and wrote themselves into the record books and they did it in style.

As we heard already, stand-out performances from Brendan Doggett, Alex Carey, Jake Lehmann and Jason Sangha, under the leadership of coach Ryan Harris and captain Nathan McSweeney, showed us just how strong South Australian cricket has become. This team also claimed the One-Day Cup earlier in the season, a remarkable double that speaks volumes about the culture and capability being built within this squad.

It was a season defined by resilience, leadership and unity, and I am proud that the Malinauskas Labor government played a role in supporting the environment that allowed this success to flourish. That is why the government is proud to have backed South Australian cricket through the transformation of the Karen Rolton Oval, which looked incredible for the test, a facility that was made into a genuine high performance and community venue.

In partnership with the South Australian Cricket Association, led by Will and Charlie, and the City of Adelaide, we helped expand capacity to 10,000 people, installed tiered viewing areas and LED screens, improved spectator amenities and created a festival-style experience that welcomed fans of all ages.

Importantly, entry was free, and that matters. It meant school groups, families and grassroots clubs were able to witness this history firsthand and made them feel very much a part of every ball. It is a clear example of how we can make elite sport accessible and inspiring. We also saw this success brought into the heart of our city with a public reception in Rundle Mall to honour the team with a show of pride that went far beyond cricket.

This government believes deeply in the value of sport. We invest in our venues, we support our athletes, and we prioritise access and inclusion because when our communities can connect through sport we build stronger, healthier and more inclusive places to live. This season has shown that, with the right support and vision, South Australian sport can lead the nation and we intend to keep building on this momentum.

Congratulations once again to everyone involved. It will be a time that many will not forget. Many enjoyed the opportunity to run across the field and even take some of the white pickets afterwards and some of the signs. Thank you to everyone involved and congratulations to the team.

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (17:57): I would like to thank the Hon. Emily Bourke and the Hon. Dennis Hood for their contributions to this motion. All of South Australia is very proud of the achievements of our South Australian cricket team. It is no easy feat to win a Sheffield Shield. It takes a lot of sacrifice, a lot of work and a lot of commitment from their families, so I urge all members to support the motion.

Motion carried.

Sitting suspended from 17:58 to 19:46.