Report

Edwards out for 99 as Sutherland claims five in tight contest

NSW were in deep trouble at 73 for 5 on a day where Scott Boland broke a Sheffield Shield record

AAP

16-Feb-2024 • 5 hrs ago

Will Sutherland went through New South Wales’ top order  •  Getty Images

New South Wales 252 (Edwards 99, Gilkes 51, Sutherland 5-51, Boland 3-47) vs Victoria

A day after Australian women’s captain Alyssa Healy was out for 99 in the Perth Test, fellow New South Wales batter Jack Edwards fell on the same dreaded number.

The emerging allrounder was out one run short of his third Sheffield Shield century in the Blues’ clash with Victoria at the SCG.

Edwards was dismissed by Test quick Scott Boland after being caught by Victoria wicketkeeper Sam Harper in the final session of day one on Friday.

The 23-year-old’s dismissal came less than 24 hours after Healy made 99 and was denied a maiden Test century, equalling the highest score of her husband, Mitchell Starc.

But Edwards’ contribution was still vital, helping NSW to 252 after Victoria captain Will Sutherland won the toss and elected to bowl. Sutherland, who made his international debut in Australia’s ODI series against West Indies only two weeks ago, more than played his part with the ball, taking 5 for 51 for the sixth five-wicket haul of his first-class career.

Sutherland’s heroics were almost overshadowed by Boland passing Paul Reiffel, who played 35 Tests for Australia between 1992 and 1998, as Victoria’s greatest Shield wicket-taker.

By finishing with figures of 3 for 47, Boland went to 321 career scalps, ahead of Reiffel on 318. It is the 34-year-old’s last Shield appearance before he heads to New Zealand for Australia’s two-Test series, starting in Wellington on February 29.

Young NSW opener Sam Konstas, fresh off an Under-19 World Cup win, made a bright start the Blues’ innings by making 26. Wicketkeeper Matthew Gilkes was the hosts’ second-best contributor behind Edwards, hitting a patient 51 at No.4.

Victoria will start their first innings on Saturday after stumps was called when NSW lost their final wicket. All eyes will be on talented opener Will Pucovski, who is returning to the Victoria side after recovering from his most recent concussion.

Jack EdwardsScott BolandWill SutherlandPaul ReiffelMatthew GilkesVictoriaNew South WalesAustraliaNSW vs VictoriaSheffield Shield

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