GEORGE Bailey returns to the crease at North Dalton Park on Monday, within reach of a century and the dagger needed to kill off any hopes of NSW hosting, or even playing in a Sheffield Shield final.
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In an era increasingly dominated by the lit up bails and off-field dancers of Twenty20 cricket, Bailey produced one of the most gritty, determined innings ever seen in Wollongong at any level.
Walking off at stumps on Sunday, amid the long shadows on a field which has copped a battering from overnight rain, Bailey was 93 not out, coming off 229 balls.
Tasmania are 6-294, 41 in front of NSW first innings score, after Blues batsman Ed Cowan made a superb ton of his own after they were sent in on Saturday.
There were moments where Bailey had ridden his luck, slashing away in the air outside off stump to almost be dismissed after lunch, attempting to swat a rising Doug Bollinger delivery across the line shortly after.
However, for the most part, it was poise and focus, combined with the measured stroke-making from a former Test and one-day international talent.
And there was plenty of support, with starts from Alex Doolan (37), Jake Hancock (28), Ben McDermott (45) and Beau Webster (37).
NSW need to win at least two, if not three of their remaining Sheffield Shield matches, to have a realistic chance of hosting this year’s final, which would be played in Wollongong.
But, as Victoria tried and failed to stave off an innings defeat in Perth, NSW are now in their own predicament.
The situation is only further complicated by predictions of rain on Monday morning and again up to 10 millimetres on Tuesday.
Still Cowan’s form provides some hope for the Blues to chase a stunning outright victory, provided they can secure the remaining four wickets before lunch on day three.
"My red ball cricket has fallen away in the past few years after Christmas," Cowan said after his century.
“I felt like there was a nice period during the Big Bash to take a step back and work on a few things technically and it has paid off, so I'm very happy with where my game is at.
“It was nice to take some time off, freshen up and find some rhythm, and it has paid off.”
Bollinger was the pick of the NSW bowling, taking the first two wickets and then of big-hitting all-rounder James Faulkner, to finish with 3-52 from 17 overs.
Off-spinner Will Somerville and seamers Harry Conway and Henriques each picked up one on a day of toil for NSW.
It was a remarkable effort for the ground staff to have North Dalton Park ready for play, after almost 25 millimetres fell on Sunday night.
- SHEFFIELD SHIELD
NSW v TASMANIA
Monday-Tuesday
North Dalton Park (10.30am)
NSW all out 253 (Cowan 115, Henriques 47; Milenko 4-60)
Tasmania 6-294 (Bailey 93 not out, Milenko 18 not out; Bollinger 3-52)