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NSW turn to Waughs for salvation

New South Wales endured another forgettable day in their make-or-break Pura Cup clash with Queensland, and must now rely on some magic from the Waugh twins if they are to dig themselves out of a rather large hole

Wisden Cricinfo staff
02-Feb-2004
New South Wales 4 for 96 (S Waugh 2*, M Waugh 2*) trail Queensland 5 for 431 dec (Maher 116, Law 146*) by 335 runs
Scorecard
New South Wales endured another forgettable day in their make-or-break Pura Cup clash with Queensland, and must now rely on some magic from the Waugh twins if they are to dig themselves out of a rather large hole.
After Jimmy Maher's fighting century on the first day, the star of Queensland's second-day show was Stuart Law, who converted his overnight 67 into a fine unbeaten 146, his 64th first-class century, but his first of the Pura Cup campaign. NSW could only manage one more wicket, that of James Hopes, as Queensland declared on 5 for 431.
In reply, NSW slumped to 4 for 96, with Mark and Steve Waugh clinging on when rain brought an early close, both on 2 not out. The twins will need to lead the fightback after NSW lost three wickets in 16 balls. First, Ashley Noffke ended an entertaining 70-run second-wicket stand when he had Brad Haddin caught behind for 31 off 35 balls, before producing a rearing delivery to remove Dominic Thornely in his next over.
Joe Dawes then clean bowled Phil Jaques for 53 off 68, to leave NSW's hopes of defending their title in tatters. NSW are currently fifth on the table with 11 points and only three matches remaining. They need an outright win to have any chance of featuring in the final, starting on March 12. Queensland, meanwhile, are in third place and are equally keen for maximum points, hence Maher's attacking declaration.