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'Heartbreak': Fan-favourite's cruel end to 16-year career

Callum Ferguson (pictured) thanks the crowd after being dismissed on 97 runs in his final innings for South Australi.
Callum Ferguson (pictured) was dismissed on 97 runs in his final innings for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield. (Getty Images)

Retiring South Australian favourite Callum Ferguson was dealt a cruel blow when he fell short of a century in his final innings for the Redbacks in their Sheffield Shield clash.

Ferguson entered the crease to a guard of honour from players and umpires as he prepared for the last innings of his Sheffield Shield career.

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Retiring Ferguson was trapped in front by Mark Steketee for 97, ending a 16-year first-class cricket career that included one Test for Australia.

In a sign of how well respected he is within the Australian cricket community, everyone on the field raced to congratulate Ferguson on an incredible career.

While many can argue Ferguson was extremely unfortunate to only play the single game wearing the Baggy Green, he became a fan favourite in South Australia.

During his innings, fans thanked Ferguson for his contribution to Sheffield Shield and Australian cricket with a ‘TX Ferguson’ sign on the hill.

Fans also took to social media after Ferguson fell agonisingly short of a dream farewell.

Ferguson’s innings of 97 runs helped him surpass Les Favell to become the fourth-highest run scorer for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield.

Ferguson’s decision to retire came after he was dropped from the first Sheffield Shield game of the campaign.

He made his name in the short-form of the game after playing 30 ODIs for Australia with an average of 41.43.

At 31, Ferguson made his Test debut yet it would be the only time he would wear the baggy green representing Australia.

Queensland favourites to win match

When Harry Nielsen (114) departed just one run later, the Redbacks again looked vulnerable to defeat at 6-312, chasing another 136 runs to win.

Ferguson and Nielsen had been going along superbly at ACH Group Stadium, putting on 218 runs for the fifth wicket.

Always behind in the match, their partnership raised the prospects of an unlikely win given the Bulls had held a 342-run first innings lead.

But Queensland will now be favourites to close out the match.

Liam Scott (11) and Chadd Sayers (14) were the not out SA batsmen at tea.

Steketee was the pick of the Queensland bowlers with innings figures of 3-33.

with AAP

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