While teammate Kurtis Patterson ended a lengthy drought to offer New South Wales a chance to win their Sheffield Shield match against Western Australia at the SCG, Sam Konstas has missed out on another century.
With a 252-run advantage after WA scored only 211 in their opening innings, the Blues finished day three at the crease with 463 for 9. Heavy rain ruined the entire second day, but NSW compensated for it on Sunday by adding more runs.
After finishing the night with an overnight score of 80, Konstas (88) pushed Lance Morris to second slip, ending his chances of reaching his fourth century of the summer.
Patterson continued where Konstas left off, giving the home team a significant lead in the opening innings with an undefeated 167 off 255 balls.
After two Test matches, he has already amassed 527 runs this season at an incredible average of 105.40, propelling his name back into the national selection conundrum.
When Patterson hit his century, his first ton in 769 days, he shouted with delight. On his debut as an 18-year-old, Patterson’s highest first-class total was 157, but he blew past it late in the third day.
During his dazzling innings, the 31-year-old hit 15 fours and three sixes, while later down the order, Chris Green (35) and Jack Edwards (30) contributed some useful runs.
In addition to Morris (2 for 69) and Cameron Gannon (2 for 99), WA pacer Brody Couch finished with 3 for 66.
In an attempt to secure a position for Australia’s two-Test tour of Sri Lanka, spinner Corey Rocchiccioli posted stats of 1 for 87 off 27 overs.
With little chance of victory for the reigning champs, WA’s last day will be all about surviving. A, the three-time champions, came into the game ranked second.
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