Two former New South Wales batsmen have combined to help Tasmania set the Blues a daunting victory target of 401 to win their Sheffield Shield clash in Canberra.
Ed Cowan and Steven Cazzulino both blasted unbeaten centuries on Thursday to set up an exciting last-day run-chase, with the hosts requiring a further 388 runs to win after going to stumps at 0 for 13 in their second innings.
After taking a 128-run lead from the first innings, Cowan (145 not out) and Cazzulino (118 not out) ensured the Blues bowlers went wicketless on a flat Manuka Oval pitch as the Tigers declared their second innings at 0 for 272.
Cowan was particularly impressive, with his runs coming off just 159 balls with 21 boundaries, while Cazzulino notched his maiden first-class century from 166 balls.
Cowan maintained his good record against his old side - the last time he met New South Wales was in last season's Sheffield Shield final when he hit 133 in Tasmania's seven-wicket triumph.
Former Test spinner Nathan Hauritz finished the innings with figures of 0 for 96 and promising young fast bowler Josh Hazlewood with 0 for 70.
Cazzulino, who made his first-class debut for the Tigers last season, said his ton was "probably the most satisfying moment in my life".
"It's something that I've worked towards for so long and to bring it up against New South Wales, with Eddy down the other end doing so well as well - it's an amazing feeling," the 24-year-old said.
"(But) it's by no means in the bag - a lot of runs are being scored.
"It's a pretty flat wicket today, but if it continues to deteriorate as I think it will, then (bowlers will) play a big part in getting us over the line."
New South Wales wicketkeeper Peter Nevill, who made 112 not out to steer the Blues to a respectable 264 on Thursday, said his side face a difficult task but can take some heart out of a day when only two wickets fell.
"If they can make the ball reverse swing like they did in the first innings, it could be quite difficult against the seam bowlers as well," said Nevill.
"We've really just got to take it small sessions at a time and hopefully we can get two guys at the top of the order to bat through for quite a while."
Nevill and captain Ben Rohrer, batting at number 10 after suffering a side strain, earlier shared a 90-run partnership to steady the Blues after they resumed the day at a precarious 8 for 146.
Blues openers Phil Jaques (5) and Nic Maddinson (1) will resume on Friday after negotiating four overs before stumps.
AAP
Tags: cricket, sport, manuka-2603, act, sydney-2000, nsw, hobart-7000, tas, australia First posted December 08, 2011 20:38:12
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