Late wickets revive the Blues

Victoria 169 (Jewell 80, MacGill 3-52) and 170 for 4 (Hussey 60, Arnberger 58) lead New South Wales 292 (Jaques 116, Lewis 4-77) by 47 runs
Scorecard

Phil Jaques passed 1000 runs for the season with his 115 © Getty Images Enlarge

Three quick wickets in the final session of the second day reignited New South Wales' hopes of the outright victory they need to ensure a spot in the final, after Jason Arnberger and David Hussey had threatened to bring Victoria right back into the match with a pair of half-centuries. From 1 for 155, however, Victoria lost three wickets for seven runs, before closing on 4 for 170 - a lead of 47.

After being bowled out for 169 in their first innings, Victoria had been in some trouble at the start of play, as NSW resumed on 1 for 132. The nightwatchman, Matthew Nicholson, fell early, but Phil Jaques completed a fine century, adding 88 for the third wicket with Matthew Phelps (43). But Jaques then gloved to Adam Crosthwaite for 115 off Mick Lewis and the slide began.

With Lewis and Shane Harwood combining to good effect, NSW lost 8 for 66 to collapse to 292 all out. Lewis collected four wickets while Harwood picked up three to limit the deficit to 123 at tea. Jaques became the second batsman of the season behind Michael Bevan to reach 1000 runs with his third century.