Tas set tough task by NSW in Shield

Peter Nevill has posted the highest-ever score by a wicketkeeper in a Sheffield Shield match with 235 not out, to put NSW in a strong position against Tasmania at Bellerive Oval.

At stumps on day three, Tasmania are 1-139 in their second innings with opener Jordan Silk leading the charge with an unbeaten 64.

But Nevill will have statisticians reaching for the record books.

The only other wicketkeepers to go past 200 in a Sheffield Shield match are Wayne Phillips, who scored 213 not out for South Australia against Tasmania in 1986/87 and Adam Gilchrist, who made 203 not out for Western Australia against South Australia in 2001/02.

He’s also become just the second NSW wicketkeeper in history to score a double hundred in a first class match behind Billy Murdoch, who struck 321 against Victoria in 1881/82.

Aided in large part by Nevill’s efforts, the Blues declared their first innings at 576 on Monday, in reply to the hosts’ 272.

Silk admitted NSW’s comeback from 5-66 on Sunday was disheartening for the Tigers, who have spent almost two days straight in the field.

“It’s obviously pretty disappointing to let them get to where they got to,” he said of NSW’s comeback.

“I thought our bowlers tried hard but it just didn’t work the way we wanted it to.

“And full credit to Peter Nevill. I thought he batted superbly (and) put away any bad ball that we bowled and he fully deserved his double ton.”

NSW resumed on Monday at 7-353 with Nevill supported by Stephen O’Keefe for a partnership of 180.

O’Keefe was denied his maiden first-class century after being caught at slip from a Jackson Bird delivery for 99.

“These things happen,” said O’Keefe of his oh-so-close moment.

“I was dropped early in my innings … I’ve got to be lucky that I was able to go on.

“I’ve probably under-clubbed with the bat for the last couple of seasons so it’s nice to be able to contribute again and get some runs.”

With O’Keefe back in the sheds Gurinder Sandhu came on to add 28 for the Blues before becoming the first and only victim of spinner Clive Rose.

Doug Bollinger later contributed 41, his highest first-class score, and together with Nevill was not out when NSW declared.

Along with Bird, Ben Hilfenhaus was among the top bowlers for Tasmania, finishing with 3-126.

When Tasmania returned to the middle Ed Cowan (24) was an early victim, nudging a slow ball from Sean Abbott (1-34) to third slip.

“We’re going to need someone to stay out there as long as they can and … bat the majority of the day tomorrow and see where we are later on,” Silk said of Tasmania’s approach to the final day.

He will resume on Tuesday along with Tigers skipper Alex Doolan, who is 40 not out.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!