Abbott keeps New South Wales on top after Hughes' big hundred

Sean Abbott led the way as New South Wales secured a massive advantage over Tasmania at the midway point of their must-win Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania at the SCG.

Tasmania slumped to 5 for 89 at stumps, trailing by 328 runs. Daniel Hughes starred for NSW with his career-best 178 and eighth first-class century easily eclipsing a previous high of 136.

In contrast to NSW's showing at the crease, Tasmania's top-order struggled with only Ben McDermott (22 not out) remaining defiant.

Abbott claimed three wickets - all bowled - for figures of 3 for 20 with NSW restricting the visitors to less than two runs an over.

Australian white-ball star Adam Zampa bowled six overs and returned 0 for 14 in his first Shield match at the SCG since 2018.

Earlier, NSW had little trouble earlier in the day building on their overnight 3 for 272. Hughes was finally undone by a marvellous sprawling catch from wicketkeeper Tim Paine off Nathan Ellis.

Peter Siddle collected two wickets from as many balls as Matthew Gilkes and Abbott were dispatched back to the pavilion. But there was to be no shift in momentum as Chris Green joined Jason Sangha in contributing half centuries.

Green's 59 not out was his first red-ball half-century in just a third Shield outing for the BBL regular.

With four rounds remaining, NSW went into the match without a win in the six games played before the mid-season break.