After starting day three seven runs short of his hundred, Bailey showed unbelievable focus and determination to put NSW at long odds to get a result in a match they needed to win to regain second spot.

When the Tigers’ first innings eventually came to a close at 490 – a massive 237 runs in front of NSW –Bailey remained unbeaten at the crease on 200 not out from 389 balls.  

It was the talented right-hander’s first ever double century in first class cricket and his highest score in a Tasmanian shirt.

The bulk of his runs on day three came as part of a superb 195 run partnership he shared with Simon Milenko, who compiled his highest first class score of 87.

Bailey’s remarkably measured innings lasted just shy of six and a half hours and included 14 boundaries.

“I don’t know where I would rank it but I think it is probably the longest I have batted which was pleasing,” Bailey said of the career best innings.

“It wasn’t really about me.

“It was really just about where we were at in the game.

“We knew if we could get some lower order runs and then we could build a lead.

“And hopefully put some pressure on NSW.

“Simon Milenko and myself put on a nice partnership. That got us a good lead and we were hoping to get three or four wickets [in the final session] but that wasn’t to be.”

Tasmania lost their final four wickets for 38 runs. 

In-form Blues spinner William Somerville was the pick of the bowlers on a difficult day for NSW.

After taking 8/136 earlier this month against Queensland, Somerville claimed 5-99 from 31.4 overs.

Doug Bollinger chipped in with 3-101 from 24 overs.

The Blues were sent back in for the final session as grey clouds continued to hover over the Illawarra.

Things started poorly when Nick Larkin was dismissed for 15 by a smart catch from wicketkeeper Tim Paine off the bowling of Sam Rainbird.

Fortunately for the Blues, Daniel Hughes and Ed Cowan steadied the ship. Hughes finished the day on 71 not out while Cowan, who top scored with 115 in the first innings, was 51 not out.

NSW still trail the Tigers by 96 runs, but a result looks unlikely to occur with more rain predicted on Tuesday.

With this match virtually out of their hands, the Blues will need to win their last two matches to have a chance of playing in this year’s final. 

Victoria and Western Australia are above them on the ladder.

NSW v TASMANIA

Tuesday

North Dalton Park (10.30am)

NSW all out 253 (Cowan 115, Henriques 47; Milenko 4-60) and 1/141 (Hughes 71, Cowan 51)

Tasmania 490 (Bailey 200 not out, Milenko 87; Somerville 5-99)