NSW skipper Peter Nevill scored a brilliant unbeaten century as Victoria capitulated in stunning fashion on day two of the Sheffield Shield clash at the SCG.
Wicketkeeper Nevill’s 100 not out powered the Blues to an imposing total of 9(dec)-452, before carnage set in for the last-placed Bushrangers in the final half-hour before stumps.
Victoria crumbled to lose 3-0, meaning NSW’s imposing 234-run first-innings lead remained completely intact heading into day three.
Without putting a run on the board, openers Peter Handscomb and Aaron Finch and then Marcus Stoinis all departed in meek fashion as the Blues bowled an incredible six straight maidens to finish the day with a firm grasp on their third victory of the season and second placing on the ladder.
Trent Copeland took 2-0 off three overs and Doug Bollinger 1-0 – with Scott Boland and nightwatchman James Muirhead to resume on Friday with a mountain to climb.
Nevill has flourished as Brad Haddin’s understudy for NSW this season with two 50s and now a hundred, but doesn’t want to think about where he might sit in selectors thoughts for Australia’s next gloveman – which appears to be an open race.
The 28-year-old was 45 not out when No.10 Bollinger arrived at the crease, and only 67 when Steve O’Keefe came out for the final wicket.
But well supported by his tail, Nevill overcame a mediocre Big Bash League season with the Renegades to smash seven fours and two sixes in a superb knock.
“As soon as Big Bash was finished I didn’t think about it anymore,” said Nevill.
“I’m just going to worry about what I’m doing at the time and hopefully that’s putting NSW in a winning position.”
On the other end of the spectrum is Nevill’s opposite number as keeper and skipper – Matt Wade.
He could only watch on as Scott Henry (92), Kurtis Patterson (94) and then Nevill rocketed past Victoria’s below par first innings total of 218 after resuming day two at 2-128.
Wade has endured a difficult year, where one by one he’s lost his place in the Australian Test, ODI and now Twenty20 teams, and was passed over in at least the first round of the IPL draft.
He can take an important step in the right direction by putting on a brave front when he comes out to bat on Friday – and ensure Victoria don’t rue their decision to leave out David Hussey and Rob Quiney.
“It was a bad day. It’s hard to lift spirits when you’re 3-0 but individually we’ve got to find a way to get out there and do our job,” he said.
“I’ve just got to play as well as I can in first-class cricket, finishing off the year. Hopefully I can get in and turn on another big one tomorrow.”
