Blistering Nic Maddinson century sets up intriguing final day

A stunning unbeaten century from Nic Maddinson has set up a tantalising final day between Victoria and New South Wales at the SCG.

Maddinson clubbed 105 not from just 90 balls with nine fours and four sixes as Victoria declared their second innings closed at 1 for 168 after just 30 overs, having earlier bowled out New South Wales for 310 to gain a lead of 121. Marcus Harris also made 54 not out but was mainly a spectator as Maddinson assaulted his former team.

Harry Conway made an early breakthrough in Victoria's second innings, trapping Travis Dean in front, but that was the only joy for the Blues as Maddinson teed off.

His century was his second of the season and his fifth for Victoria in just 11 matches since moving from New South Wales in 2018. It followed on from 95 in the first innings to give him 648 runs at 92.57 in Sheffield Shield cricket this year. Incredibly, he made more runs in this game than the entire BBL, where he contributed just 143 runs at 10.21 for the Melbourne Stars.

The declaration left New South Wales needing 290 to win with ten overs and a full day to bat. They started the chase brightly moving to 41, but just prior to stumps, Peter Siddle made a breakthrough with Nick Larkin picking out Will Sutherland at square leg with a flat pull shot to leave the Blues with nine wickets in hand on the final day.

Earlier, the Blues began the day at 4 for 201 in their first innings but folded for 310. Debutant Wil Parker continued his fairytale start to first-class cricket by claiming a third wicket with Dean taking a stunning catch at short leg to remove Daniel Solway. Will Sutherland breached the obdurate defence of Blues skipper Peter Nevill before Chris Tremain and Siddle cleaned up the tail.