Nic Maddinson sent Test selectors a timely reminder of his capabilities as fellow Ashes hopeful Marcus Harris stumbled in his latest audition during Victoria’s Sheffield Shield clash with NSW.
Harris was out for one but Maddinson (128) and James Seymour (105) both posted centuries on Day 1 at the MCG, guiding the home side to a strong position after they were sent in to bat.
Victoria will resume at 6-283 on Saturday with James Pattinson and Will Sutherland new arrivals at the crease, after a late NSW fightback led by Nathan Lyon and Liam Hatcher.
The Blues are operating one bowler short after former Test quick Trent Copeland suffered an ankle injury in the fifth over of the match.
Harris gave his Ashes chances a boost with a century in the season opener last week but lasted just 14 balls on Friday as he registered his second single-figure total in three innings.
The inconsistent form has cast some doubt over his place in Australia’s Test side amid a selection battle with the likes of Usman Khawaja and Travis Head, while young gun Will Pucovski continues his recovery from a tenth concussion.
Pucovski’s ongoing unavailability has opened the Shield door for Seymour and he grabbed his chance with both hands, posting his maiden first-class century in his fourth knock at the level.
Maddinson – named man of the match in the season opener – was most impressive, stroking 14 fours and a six in 206 balls to give Test selectors something to consider.
(Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)
The 29-year-old remains hopeful of a recall after playing his three previous Test matches in 2016.
“That’s the motivation, for sure, so it’s just about doing the job when I get the chance,” Maddinson said.
“It would’ve been nice to be still there and push on to make a really big score, but a hundred is a hundred.”
Lyon (2-47) eventually removed both Maddinson and Seymour as Hatcher (3-81) helped the Test off spinner breathe some life into NSW late in the day.
Copeland took the new ball but managed just 15 deliveries before limping off the field, leaving Lyon, Hatcher and Sean Abbott (1-74) to shoulder the bulk of the workload, with Jack Edwards and Jason Sangha pitching in.
“To lose one of your main bowlers certainly hurts,” NSW coach Phil Jaques said.
“We’re hopeful of (Copeland) being able to bowl second innings.
“He’s had it in ice most of the day and he’s an ultimate professional, so he’ll have a crack.”
More than 500 spectators filed through the MCG gates on Friday as the famous ground welcomed fans back for the first time since Melbourne’s COVID-19 lockdown was lifted last month.
Crowds were last seen at the MCG in July, when restricted-capacity attendances were allowed at AFL matches.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Time for the WC!
JGK
Roar Guru
Yeah agree. Especially with the Last session rained off. The bowlers will be fresh.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Vic should enforce. Their attack has only had to bowl 60 odd overs so far.
JGK
Roar Guru
Geez the NSW batting is a joke. They are going to follow on here (if it's enforced).
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Wasn’t last week’s story headlined: “Complete” Harris shines in Ashes audition.
Paul
Roar Guru
sounds like a Matt question. Agreed about Lyon against Burns, Malan and Stokes. That is, if he gets to bowl at them after the 3 quicks have had their turn. :happy:
Paul
Roar Guru
He did but then again, a fast attack minus NSW best bowler, wasn't exactly a stern test. He played wellish, but I'd have hoped for more attack against the GOAT given Gary was bowling on a first day pitch at the MCG. I thought his 87 at Drummoyne was the better knock. Much tougher batting conditions and he was forced to play more freely, given the wickets falling pretty consistently at the other end.
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
Did Maddinson look solid?
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Did NSW delay taking the second new ball?
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
Yeah Warne’s Shield record is strange. I wonder if he holds the record for having the biggest positive difference between Test average and average in domestic first class comp. A plus for Lyon in Ashes will be three left handers in England top six - as were all his 3 wickets v Victoria.
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
Yep. Noticeable that all three were left handers - two century makers plus Pattinson. A plus for us that England have three left handers in top six.
JGK
Roar Guru
Good to see Lyon finally get some wickets.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Good work Maddinson and Seymour, but gee the attack lacked some depth once Copeland went off.
Paul
Roar Guru
Yeah, I guess that's one thing he and Shane Warne have in common. Neither have outstanding Shield records. Gary still has a way to go, ie he wasn't getting a lot of drift yesterday which he does when he's really letting them go well, but certainly an improvement.
Nudge
Roar Rookie
That’s good to hear Paul. I haven’t seen any of him bowling this innings but had noticed he hadn’t set the world on fire in the shield this year. He has actually always been poor in the shield apart from the end of last season, but he nearly always steps up when the tests start
Nudge
Roar Rookie
I feel Head needs runs next match. If he misses out and Maddison scores again I hope they choose Maddison. Same with Khawaja next match. If he scores again and Harris misses out next innings and next match, I’d be going with Khawaja
Paul
Roar Guru
Not sure I'd call this game a "Shield audition". Kudos to Maddinson for taking his chances. Harris badly needs at least one decent first innings score against a decent attack asap, if he wants to opening the batting in Brisbane. The guy I was most impressed with was Nathan Lyon. He looked like he was getting through the crease well and also getting plenty of work on the ball. I'm sure there's room for improvement still, but he looked more like the Gary from 2019 rather than the underwhelming 2020 version.
Wh
Guest
Maddinson has been the most consistent shield batsmen for a few years now. Possibly a bat off against Head for that number 5 position, Henriques out of the equation I'd suggest. Personally would prefer Maddinson to get first go, but certainly expect it to be Head.