Postcard From Downunder: NSW v Victoria

 

Saturday 17th February 2024 - Day 2, Sheffield Shield NSW v. Victoria 

A paltry crowd witnessed a good batting performance by the Vics on a hot, sunny day in Sydney. It was pleasant to sit high up in the shade of the Members' Pavilion at this famous Test ground which still resists the call for a drop-in wicket. Day 1 had seen NSW make 252 all out in helpful cloudy bowling conditions . Edwards 99 and Gilkes 51 scoring over half of the home State's total. The stand out bowlers were Will Sutherland 5-51 and Scott Boland 3-47.

NSW Test players Cummins, Smith, Starc and Hazlewood were all rested by Cricket Australia much to the exasperation of the members. If the Sheffield Shield and indeed the County Championship are to be taken seriously in the future this policy by both Australia and England has to change.

The batting of Nic Maddinson who ironically was a former NSW player was excellent. He drove well and dispatched the short ball into the empty seats for a number of 6s. He was particularly harsh on Lyon until Gary had him caught by a substitute fielder at deep long on.

The Vics accumulated carefully and ended the day on 277-2 and in total command 25 runs ahead.

Alfonso Thomas and James Taylor as Leicestershire CCC's coaches will have been encouraged by the confident play of Peter Handscomb 65 n.o. 

A good day's play albeit with only 2 wickets falling. The overriding emotion though was one of sadness. Here I was witnessing the two biggest Australian States in terms of population. It was all for free on a sunny Saturday at a great ground in Sydney yet only a small number of like-minded people were in attendance. Crowd about 250.

Teams 

NSW:

Blake Nikitras

Sam Koustas

Daniel Hughes

Matthew Gilkes w/k

Moises Henriques c.

Oliver Davies

Jack Edwards

Nathan Lyon

Jackson Bird

Liam Hatcher

Chris Tremain

VICTORIA:

Nic Maddinson

Marcus Harris

Will Pucovski

Peter Handscomb

Campbell Kellaway

Sam Harper w/k

Will Sutherland c.

Mitchell Perry

Fergus O'Neill

Todd Murphy

Scott Boland

Andy Martin