A patient century from former Australian Test batsman Ed Cowan has helped NSW to a strong position after day two of their match against Sheffield Shield leaders Victoria in Melbourne.
Cowan batted throughout Thursday's second day to be 134 not out at stumps as NSW reached 4-300 - a lead of 42.
Cowan was the mainstay of the innings on a testing MCG wicket, with his 267-ball innings including 14 fours.
The Blues were struggling at 2-17 early, with openers Nick Larkin (11) and Daniel Hughes (8) dismissed within the opening half-hour as they pursued Victoria's 258.
Half-centuries from Kurtis Patterson (61) and captain Moises Henriques (51) ensured the Blues only lost one wicket in each of the final two sessions.
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Patterson helped Cowan put on 141 for the third wicket, before Henriques contributed to a 92-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Peter Nevill continued momentum for the Blues late in the day to remain 18 not out.
Victorian paceman Jake Reed returned the best figures in an attack which featured six bowlers.
It is a crucial match for NSW who have just two wins from five outings as the competition enters the second half of the season.
