Blues ride on Jaques's ton

New South Wales 2 for 217 (Jaques 124*, Thornely 61*) v Victoria
Scorecard

Phil Jaques on his way to an unbeaten hundred © Getty Images

Phil Jaques smashed a superb unbeaten century as NSW were comfortably placed at 2 for 217 at the end of the second day's play against Victoria at Junction Oval in Melbourne. Jaques was ably assisted by Dominic Thornely, who compiled a patient 61, as they helped NSW overcome some initial setbacks to ease into a dominant position by stumps.

Even though the day was bright and sunny, the heavy rain which resulted in the first-day's play being washed out meant that the game did not finally get underway at 2pm. Victoria's decision to field first, paid some early dividends, with Graeme Rummans running Matthew Phelps out for 5 in the fourth over. Jaques and Greg Mail then repaired the damage with a 59-run stand before Gerard Denton had Mail caught behind for 19.

But there was no respite from then on as Jaques and Thornely rattled 149 in 42.3 overs, hammering 17 fours between them, and ensured against any further setbacks. Jaques, who had made three fifties previously, continued his fine form with his 17th first-class hundred as the Victoria bowlers, especially Shane Harwood, withered against the onslaught.

"It was a good, hard day's cricket and I think we've asserted ourselves to be on top in the game at the moment," Jaques said. "Hopefully we can carry on tomorrow and have a big day. It was a really hard day for both sides ... for the most part, it was a good batting wicket and just the odd one would move around."