New South Wales win battle over Hastings

New South Wales 8 for 390 dec & 0 for 14 lead Victoria 311 (Hastings 84, Wade 59, Sheridan 54) by 93 runs
Scorecard

New South Wales picked up two points after taking a 79-run lead on first innings despite a spirited batting display from John Hastings and poor catching by the hosts. Victoria were dismissed for 311 late on the third day following Hastings' 84 and the Blues were 0 for 14 in reply as the match heads towards a draw.

Hastings, the allrounder at No. 8, led a gutsy lower-order fightback after the Bushrangers were in serious trouble at 6 for 90. Half-centuries to Matthew Wade (59) and the debutant Will Sheridan (54) delayed the Blues, who had only themselves to blame after putting down seven chances. They were also forced to call on various substitutes after injuries to Ben Rohrer and Usman Khawaja.

The captain Moises Henriques (3 for 69) struck twice early in the day to remove Lloyd Mash and David Hussey while Mitchell Starc caused the problems for Nick Jewell (47) and Cameron White (14). However, Hastings forced Victoria away from most of the danger during an innings containing two sixes and 11 fours. Phillip Hughes, who can seal his spot in the MCG Test squad with another strong display, was unbeaten at stumps on 7, the same score as Phil Jaques.