Jaques powers NSW reply to Victoria's 519

New South Wales 1 for 221 (Jaques 109*, Phelps 68*) trail Victoria 5 for 519 dec (Arnberger 239*, Jewell 143) by 298 runs
Scorecard

A personal best of 239 not out by Jason Arnberger powered Victoria to an imposing 5 for 519 declared, but New South Wales hit back strongly through an unbeaten 109 by Phil Jaques, finishing the second day on 1 for 221.

Resuming at 2 for 312, Victoria lost an early wicket when Nick Jewell fell after adding just five to his overnight score of 138. That concluded a third-wicket partnership of 284, and the Blues soon had another chance, when Arnberger was caught at point off a Doug Bollinger no-ball on 145. Arnberger went on to add a further 94, and put together 114 for the sixth wicket with Jon Moss, who scored an unbeaten fifty before the declaration.

The Blues started their innings well with an opening stand of 65 before Craig Simmons was dismissed for 35. The first wicket could have fallen a lot earlier, though, when Jaques was caught behind off a no-ball from Mick Lewis on 1. "If it wasn't for the groans in the crowd I would've been halfway off and a chance of a run-out," Jaques told AAP. "I was really happy to see the umpire's arm out. It's been a run-feast all week and if I had limped off at 1 it would've been very disappointing."

Jaques raced to his century off only 118 balls with 17 fours and a six, and his 156-run stand with Matthew Phelps ensured that NSW ended the day in a comfortable position. Brad Haddin, who was called up for national one-day duty, has been replaced by Daniel Smith with Matthew Nicholson taking over as captain.