Late Nicholson burst leaves Redbacks struggling

South Australia 2 for 23 trail New South Wales 298 (Jaques 82, Thornely 74, Cullen 3-82) by 275 runs
Scorecard

Matthew Nicholson celebrated two late wickets as New South Wales enjoyed a day of superiority over South Australia at Adelaide Oval. Phil Jaques, who hit 11 fours and two sixes in a free-flowing display, and Dominic Thornely set up the match for the Blues with half-centuries before the last six wickets fell for 62.

The 83-run partnership between Jaques and Thornely was the brightest of the day and both had some luck: Thornely was dropped by Paul Rofe on 46 while Jaques survived a ball from Ryan Harris, which he defended before it spun back and hit the stumps without dislodging a bail. Fortunately for the Redbacks he was run out four balls later.

Thornely hit most of his 10 fours through cover and combined for a 62-run stand with the debutant Ed Cowan, who was dropped on 5 and 16. Brad Haddin scored 47 before falling to a full toss from Dan Cullen, who took three wickets, as the remainder of the order went quickly and cheaply.

South Australia's chase started badly when Nicholson bowled Tom Plant for zero and got worse when he had Luke Williams caught in close by Matthew Phelps for 14.