NEW South Wales are eyeing a return to the top of the Pura Cup table after dominating Queensland on day three at the Gabba.
Backing up skipper Simon Katich’s attacking declaration, the Blues pace attack has the home side battling at 3-79 in their quest for an unlikely 412 for victory.
It would take a record run-chase from Queensland to deny New South Wales, who sit second behind Victoria (26 points) on the competition table.
The Blues moved to 22 with first innings points Sunday after dismissing the Bulls for 236 and will share the lead with the Vics with eight wickets tomorrow.
In-form batsmen Phil Jaques (63) and Katich (54) were again the leading figures for the Blues as they cruised to 7-209, before the skipper declared in the last session, leaving them 126 overs to get 10 wickets.
The competition’s leading wicket-taker, Doug Bollinger (32 at 15), had immediate success by having Shane Watson caught at first slip for a duck.
It was Watson’s fourth nought in six innings since becoming a first-class opener.
Matthew Nicholson had Ryan Broad (24) edging to Peter Forrest at second slip while Grant Lambert dismissed Clinton Perren (31) in the last over of the day.
AAP
Source: Bulls sing the Blues
