Blues aiming for top spot on Shield table

In a remarkable rebound NSW could leap to the top of the Sheffield Shield ladder with a win over Victoria however they expect the wounded Bushrangers to take out their frustrations on the Blues.

Rewind to prior to the mid-season break and the Blues were languishing in fifth on the ladder.

But after two massive innings-plus wins over Queensland and Tasmania, Trevor Bayliss’ men find themselves in contention for a finals spot.

An outright win in their clash with Victoria in Wagga Wagga starting Sunday and a little luck, in the form of Queensland beating Western Australia, would allow them to jump into top position.

But NSW wicketkeeper Peter Nevill says they are wary of a spurned Bushrangers outfit who gave up the competition lead last round after being upset by the Bulls.

“All we can worry about is this game against Victoria,” he said.

“They’re going to be looking to bounce back after losing at the Gabba and they’ve got a quality side.”

The Blues will go into the game with the same squad of 12 which did the job against Tasmania.

While the Bushrangers have made two key changes with Jon Holland and Chris Tremain added to their line-up for pacemen James Pattinson and John Hastings, who have been rested.

The game could be decided by the sides’ opposing wicketkeepers with Nevill and Victorian gloveman Matt Wade in fine form.

The pair are considered next in line for Brad Haddin’s role in the Australian team and showed why in their respective last outing.

Wade was a standout in a beaten side against Queensland, hitting 152 and 58 while against Tasmania Nevill smashed 235 not out, the highest ever Sheffield Shield score by a keeper.

Nevill said the magnitude of the innings, which was his first double ton and longest he had spent at the crease, had still not sunk in.

“I suppose afterwards I didn’t feel any difference to any other time I’ve made runs,” he said.

“I suppose I expected to feel something different but it was the same as it’s always been.”

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