Sheffield Shield 2024-25 – Vic vs NSW – Konstas 43, Smith 0, NSW struggle despite Starc’s 6

New South Wales 136 & 185 for 6 (Philippe 70*, Konstas 43, Boland 2-41) lane Victoria 272 and 246 (Harper 72, Rogers 59, Starc 6-81) for 197 runs

The Blues’ run got off to a horrendous start as they lost 4 of 35. Boland is back to his best form with the new ball. He had Nic Maddinson caught at slip in the no-ball before getting him out again with a legitimate delivery from the wicket that went in and out.

He then trapped Smith lbw with a delivery that bounced back painfully from long off. Smith raised his arms, not expecting such a movement. Umpire Sam Nogajski thought it hit the sticks. It was a brave decision but, despite Smith’s displeasure, replays suggested he was likely to hit the sticks.

Moises Henriques was trapped lbw by Fergus O’Neill before Ollie Davies fell to drive at Will Sutherland.

Konstas held firm in front of some excellent seam bowling. But he struggled to speak fluently even though he appeared to be sounding defensive. When he tried to expand, he almost came unstuck. On the 23rd, he drove strongly to the Boland delivery area which was not as crowded as it seemed. A thick edge flew to Peter Handscomb’s right at second slip, but he couldn’t get it back in full despite getting two hands on it.

The descent seemed to free Konstas. He started to accumulate, moving to 43 along with Philippe, who continued the form he showed in his unbeaten 45 in the first innings.

The Blues were 97 for 5 before Philippe and Sean Abbott anchored the innings. The two shared a 59-run stand before Abbott cut Sutherland to first slip.

Philippe reached his second half-century this season and looks to be in good touch heading into his Australia A appearance in a few weeks.

Earlier in the day, Harper and Rogers produced a superb 130-run partnership to put Victoria in a strong position before a late strike from O’Neill and Murphy pushed the game out of reach for the Blues. Harper made 72 and looked in complete control before plunging into a very good leg when a predictable plan was laid for him.

Rogers made 59, his first maiden century, and looked very confident before losing to Nathan Lyon. Australia’s No. 1 spinner 1 Test past the wicket to the left-hand batter at long-on to dry it up. He fell trying to work against the spin and was caught at short leg.

Starc and Abbott threatened to blow the tail but O’Neill and Murphy made 33 and 36 respectively with some passionate batting and some luck. Starc eventually made it to both ends with six wickets.