Tasmania could claim only two wickets in limited play as NSW tightened their grip in Hobart
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Josh Josh Philippe rediscovered his touch to steer New South Wales into a commanding position on a rain-affected second day of their Sheffield Shield clash against Tasmania in Hobart.
Only 42 overs were possible in the day-night contest at Ninja Stadium on Tuesday, but NSW still managed to add 164 runs for the loss of just two wickets, further extending their dominance. Philippe, who recently featured in two T20Is for Australia in Pakistan, remained unbeaten on 69, his most fluent innings of the domestic season so far.
Coming into the match short of confidence, Philippe had struggled for consistency, registering only two half-centuries across all domestic formats this summer for NSW and the Sydney Sixers. However, he looked far more assured here, playing positively whenever the bowlers erred and cashing in on anything loose.
Tasmania were relieved when rain arrived just before 6pm local time, with no further play possible for the day. By then, Philippe and Jack Edwards had begun to seize control, adding 69 runs in just 13.3 overs and shifting the momentum firmly in the visitors’ favour. Philippe’s innings was highlighted by consecutive sixes off spinner Nikhil Chaudhary, while Edwards targeted the pace attack, launching powerful leg-side blows off Jackson Bird and Riley Meredith.
Earlier, Tasmania had shown some fight in the opening session, removing NSW captain Kurtis Patterson cheaply and keeping youngster Lachlan Shaw under pressure. Patterson added only four runs to his overnight 29 before being trapped lbw by Gabe Bell, while Shaw endured a long wait for his first run of the day. The young batter eventually settled, contributing 38 and sharing a valuable 90-run stand with Philippe before being bowled by skipper Beau Webster.
With weather again playing a part and NSW well ahead, Tasmania face an uphill battle to claw their way back into the match when play resumes.
