Victoria on Shield charge as NSW batters fail

| March 4, 2023

NSW are staring defeat in the face after their top-order collapsed in their Sheffield Shield match against Victoria in Albury.

NSW are 6-81 at tea on day three, still requiring 47 runs to make Victoria bat for a second time at Lavington Sports Ground.

At the crease as the sides went off for the break were Chris Green (13 not out) and Hayden Kerr (4no), with injured opener Daniel Hughes not fit to bat.

NSW were 4-35, with allrounder Jack Edwards top-scoring with 22 until his counter-attacking knock ended after 17 balls.

Once again fast bowler Mitch Perry did most of the damage, picking up 3-17 from 13 overs.

Will Sutherland (2-12) and Cameron McClure (1-17) were also among the wickets.

Victoria had earlier reached 331 for a 128-run lead on the first innings.

Matt Short posted his second successive Shield century early in the day before being dismissed for 104.

Victoria are battling with fellow second-placed side Queensland for a slot in the Shield final.