NSW strokeplayer Ryan Carters is nearing a century against South Australia as their Sheffield Shield game hangs in the balance entering the final session.
Chasing 277 to win, the Blues are 4-140 at tea on Thursday’s last day at Adelaide Oval with Carters unbeaten on 84 and captain Peter Nevill not out eight.
NSW need 137 runs from a minimum 30 overs in the final session for a win to go top of the Shield table.
But the Redbacks also could take top spot if they can bowl out the Blues.
SA, NSW and WA are all on 26 points, with Queensland in fourth spot on 22 points.
Carters has underpinned the Blues’ run chase but has lost partners at regular intervals.
His fellow opener Nic Maddinson (18), Scott Henry (1), Ben Roehrer (13) and Kurtis Patterson (13) have all fallen.
All but Maddinson were dismissed by SA captain Johan Botha, who has 3-38.
Earlier, SA were bowled out for 280 in their second innings with spinner Steve O’Keefe taking 6-70, his second five-wicket haul of the match, and Redbacks batsman Tom Cooper top-scoring with 89.