Cricket

New South Wales (NSW) has secured a resounding victory over South Australia (SA) in the Sheffield Shield, winning by an innings and one run. Former Test quick Jackson Bird played a pivotal role, claiming 11 wickets in the match.In the first innings, Bird wreaked havoc on the SA batting lineup, taking seven wickets for just 46 runs. The hosts were bundled out for a paltry 110, giving NSW a significant advantage.In response, NSW posted a formidable 394, with Kurtis Patterson leading the way with a well-crafted 71. Patterson, who had been dropped from the NSW team last summer, has now scored three consecutive half-centuries.SA showed some fight in the second innings, with Jake Lehmann scoring a gritty century. However, Bird was once again unstoppable, taking four wickets for 65 runs. Jack Edwards also chipped in with four wickets, as SA was dismissed for 283.Bird's 11-wicket haul was his sixth 10-wicket match haul in first-class cricket. It was also his first five-wicket haul since March 2021.The victory is a major boost for NSW, who are now undefeated in the Shield this season. SA, on the other hand, suffered a reality check after their impressive start to the campaign.

Kurtis Patterson's resurgence as a first-class cricketer continued on Friday as he notched up his third consecutive half-century for New South Wales, helping the Blues extend their dominance over South Australia in their Sheffield Shield clash.Patterson, who was dropped from NSW's Shield side for most of last summer and feared his career was over, has seized the opportunity presented by Australia A duties depleting the Blues' batting lineup. His 71 on day two at Karen Rolton Oval followed scores of 91 and 66 earlier this month.With NSW already in a strong position, Patterson's innings helped them post a formidable 394, giving them a first-innings lead of 284. South Australia, in response, stumbled to 53 for 3 at stumps, still needing 231 runs to avoid batting again.Patterson's innings was a patient one, with the two-time Test representative taking his time to settle in before unleashing his trademark cover drives. He eventually fell to Brendan Doggett, but not before giving NSW a solid foundation.Patterson was one of four NSW players to pass 50 against the previously undefeated South Australians. Nic Maddinson (69) set the tone on the opening evening, while Oliver Davies (56) and Matthew Gilkes (55) also made significant contributions.Davies, in particular, was impressive, using his feet to take on spinner Lloyd Pope and hitting him for a six and two fours in quick succession.Nathan McAndrew was the pick of the South Australian bowlers, taking 4 for 90, while Doggett claimed 3 for 90. However, no South Australian bowler could match the heroics of NSW veteran Jackson Bird, who took 7 for 46 in the first innings to set up the Blues' dominance.

Jackson Bird, a veteran seamer, turned back the clock with a remarkable seven-wicket haul as New South Wales (NSW) secured a 30-run first-innings lead over South Australia (SA) on day one of their Sheffield Shield match.Bird's exceptional performance at Adelaide's Karen Rolton Oval on Thursday saw him torment SA's batters, who were dismissed for a paltry 110. His nagging deliveries outside the off stump proved too much for the hosts, with five batters edging to the slips. Conor McInerney also fell victim to Bird's guile, inside-edging a ball to short leg in the opening over.NSW openers Sam Konstas and Nic Maddinson provided a solid response, reaching 140 for 2 at stumps. Maddinson led the way with a patient 69 from 163 balls, while Konstas contributed a promising 28 before falling lbw to Harry Conway.Konstas, considered a rising star in Australian cricket, showcased his potential with some impressive shots, including a delightful drive down the ground off Conway. However, his dismissal to a ball that nipped back into him highlighted the challenges of facing a quality bowling attack.Maddinson, on the other hand, displayed his experience and composure, absorbing pressure before taking charge in the final session. He struck two elegant drives off Nathan McAndrew and smashed Conway through cover to reach his half-century.However, a moment of brilliance from Lloyd Pope brought Maddinson's innings to an end. Pope's delivery drifted, dipped, and spun back between Maddinson's bat and pad, bowling him in a rare bright spot for SA.Despite Maddinson's departure, NSW remains in a strong position heading into day two. Patterson, who finished the day unbeaten on 32, will look to build on his innings and extend the Blues' lead.

Kurtis Patterson's resurgence and Jack Edwards' timely return propelled New South Wales to a respectable total of 239 against Queensland in their Sheffield Shield clash. Patterson, making his first appearance for NSW since being dropped last season, compiled his highest first-class score in two years, an impressive 91. Edwards, recovering from injury, contributed a valuable 88.NSW's innings got off to a shaky start as Queensland's quicks, led by 19-year-old Tom Straker, reduced them to 59 for 5. However, Patterson and Edwards steadied the ship with a crucial 135-run partnership. Patterson, who had been dropped as NSW captain last season, admitted that he needed to be dropped to rediscover his form."I probably haven't said it publicly but I think I needed to be dropped when I was last year because frankly, I wasn't batting well enough," Patterson said. "I'd be lying if I said that thought never crossed my mind, whether I'd get another go back here. But thankfully I've kind of ticked all the boxes with [grade club] St George and got my opportunity."Edwards, who missed the last round with a hamstring injury, played aggressively to regain momentum for NSW. He was unfortunate to be given out caught behind short of a century. Patterson also appeared unhappy with the decision that ended his innings.NSW lost four wickets for three runs at the end of their innings, but Queensland's openers, Usman Khawaja and Matt Renshaw, negotiated the new ball spells, including Josh Hazlewood's first of the season, to finish the day unbeaten.Queensland's attack, despite missing senior figures Michael Neser and Mark Steketee, performed admirably. Liam Guthrie, Straker, and Angus Lovell all took wickets.

Josh Hazlewood will make his long-awaited return to competitive cricket for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield match against Queensland, marking his first appearance of the season. The experienced fast bowler had been sidelined due to illness but is now set to ramp up his preparations for the upcoming Test series against India.Hazlewood's inclusion in the NSW squad comes as Nathan Lyon has been rested after bowling a significant number of overs in the previous two Shield matches. The legspinner is expected to return for the Test series but will not feature in the upcoming fixture.The absence of Lyon and several other players due to international and Australia A commitments has significantly impacted the teams for round three of the Shield. NSW will be without Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Sean Abbott, Sam Konstas, and Josh Phillippe, while Queensland will miss Marnus Labuschagne, Michael Neser, Mark Steketee, Gurinder Sandhu, and Callum Vidler.Despite the player unavailability, both NSW and Queensland have named strong squads. NSW will welcome back allrounder Jack Edwards from a hamstring injury, while Tanveer Sangha will replace Lyon as the legspinner. Queensland will be led by Mitchell Swepson, with Usman Khawaja and Matthew Renshaw providing experience in the batting lineup.South Australia, who are also missing key players due to national and Australia A call-ups, will be captained by Alex Carey. The wicketkeeper-batsman has been in excellent form and will be looking to continue his run-scoring against Victoria.The upcoming round of Shield matches will provide valuable preparation for the players involved in the upcoming Test series against India. Hazlewood's return will be particularly important for NSW, as he aims to regain match fitness and sharpness ahead of the first Test in Nagpur.

New South Wales (NSW) dominated Victoria in a One-Day Cup clash at the Junction Oval, securing a resounding 140-run victory. Despite the absence of Josh Hazlewood due to illness, NSW showcased their batting prowess with half-centuries from Steven Smith, Nic Maddinson, and Matthew Gilkes.Smith, returning to form after a disappointing Sheffield Shield match, struck a fluent 56 off 54 deliveries, including four fours and two sixes. Maddinson contributed 63 off 64 balls, while Gilkes provided a late surge with a blistering 74 off 42 deliveries, featuring eight fours and four sixes.Victoria's bowlers struggled to contain NSW's onslaught, with only veteran Peter Siddle offering resistance. The 39-year-old claimed a List A career-best 5 for 49, including the wickets of Smith, Gilkes, Pat Cummins, Josh Philippe, and Moises Henriques.In reply, Victoria's chase was anchored by Matthew Short's impressive 80 off 57 balls. However, the loss of wickets at regular intervals hindered their progress. Cummins, making his return after a long layoff, claimed the key wicket of Sam Harper, while Chris Green picked up three wickets to finish with 3 for 27.The victory extends NSW's unbeaten start to the One-Day Cup, while Victoria remains winless after two matches.

New South Wales' hopes of victory in their Sheffield Shield clash against Victoria dwindled on day three as they were left chasing an improbable 383 runs with just four wickets in hand. Despite a valiant six-wicket haul from Mitchell Starc, the Blues were left reeling at 185 for 6 at stumps, still 197 runs adrift of their target.Sam Konstas, who had been touted as a potential Test debutant, failed to capitalize on his opportunity, scoring 43 before being dismissed by Todd Murphy. Steven Smith also fell cheaply, trapped lbw by Scott Boland for a duck.Josh Philippe provided some resistance with an unbeaten half-century, but the Blues' chase got off to a disastrous start as they lost four wickets for just 35 runs. Boland was the chief destroyer, claiming the scalps of Nic Maddinson, Smith, and Ollie Davies.Earlier in the day, Victoria had set the Blues a daunting target thanks to half-centuries from Sam Harper and Tom Rogers. Harper made 72 before holing out to wide fine leg, while Rogers scored 59 in his maiden first-class half-century.Starc was the standout performer for the Blues, finishing with figures of 6 for 81 from 17.5 overs. He dismissed both O'Neill and Murphy to complete his six-wicket haul, but the damage had already been done.With just one day remaining in the match, Victoria are firm favorites to secure victory. The Blues will need to produce a remarkable batting performance to pull off an unlikely win.

Sam Konstas, the prodigious 19-year-old opener, has etched his name alongside Ricky Ponting in the annals of Sheffield Shield history by becoming the youngest player since the legendary Australian captain to score two centuries in the same match.Konstas's remarkable feat came in New South Wales' clash with South Australia at Cricket Central in Sydney. After compiling a brilliant 152 in the first innings, he continued his dominance in the second, amassing 105 runs from 225 deliveries.The hosts declared their innings at 282 for 6 late on day three, setting South Australia a daunting target of 389 runs for victory. However, Nathan Lyon struck early to dismiss Conor McInerney without scoring, leaving the visitors reeling at 7 for 1.Konstas's century was a testament to his exceptional talent and composure. He brought up his half-century with a blistering four that raced past extra cover, and despite South Australia's attempts to slow him down, he reached his century with a towering six over deep midwicket.His innings was not without its challenges. Test wicketkeeper Alex Carey dropped a sitter before Konstas got off the mark, but the teenager made the visitors pay dearly for the error. He also faced a wider line from South Australia's bowlers after tea, but he adjusted his game and continued to accumulate runs.Lyon, meanwhile, continued his impressive form ahead of the Test summer. He finished his first Shield innings with a five-wicket haul, ripping through the South Australian tail to ensure they were dismissed for 260.Konstas's performance has raised expectations for his future in the game. He is now the third youngest player in Shield history to score two centuries in the same match, behind only Ponting and Archie Jackson."Obviously very special," Konstas said of his achievement. "But hopefully we get the job done tomorrow and keep doing our basics well."

Teenage prodigy Sam Konstas has announced his arrival on the big stage with a stunning century for New South Wales against South Australia in Sydney. The 19-year-old opener struck 152 runs on day one of the Blues' Sheffield Shield season opener, showcasing his immense talent and potential.Konstas, who was a key member of Australia's U19 World Cup-winning team last year, has long been touted as one of the country's brightest young prospects. And he lived up to the hype on Tuesday, displaying a maturity and composure beyond his years.The right-hander cover-drove superbly throughout his innings, and took to spinner Ben Manenti by hitting him down the ground for three sixes. He brought up his century off his 163rd ball in the final over of the second session, nudging Brendan Doggett down to backward-square for a single.Konstas' first Sheffield Shield ton came with Australia's chief selector George Bailey in attendance. While the youngster is not yet in the conversation for the Test opening spot, good judges expect him to one day figure.Konstas made his Shield debut for NSW last summer, and amid glimpses of promise he brought up a maiden half-century in the last round against Queensland. But he looks a far more accomplished and confident batter this summer.He used his feet well to spin, and swept Nathan McSweeney for a big six before offering up his only chance with a missed stumping by Alex Carey. The youngster then brought up 150 by flat-batting a Lloyd Pope full toss over the legside. He was eventually caught at slip off the legspinner, when adjudged to have inside-edged a ball onto Carey's legs before it was caught by McSweeney."It was an amazing achievement. Obviously, it's good to get my first one," Konstas said. "I just have to be hungry for runs. And whatever teams I make, it's a bonus."With Shane Watson as his mentor, Konstas is a regular meditator before games and rushes to the wicket at the start of his innings."A big thing [I learned from last summer] was my mental stuff, just keeping simple plans and how can I do it for longer?" Konstas said. "I try to be calm.""I did [meditate] this morning, and then I was trying to do that on the field. Just breathing and using it to switch me on and off.""It worked today."Konstas' runs came as wickets fell around him under heavy cloud cover and light drizzle. Moises Henriques (five) and Matthew Gilkes (10) both fell to loose shots outside off stump, while Nic Maddinson was caught charging Manenti on 12.Oliver Davies provided some brief fireworks before being bowled by Jordan Buckingham for 37, while Josh Philippe hit 56 in his first Shield game for the Blues. Philippe was eventually stumped off Pope, as the South Australia spinner finished the day with 3 for 61 and NSW suffered a collapse of 3 for 17. Umpires called off play shortly after due to bad light, infuriating visiting captain McSweeney given he had kept his spinners bowling.