MELBOURNE: Sheffield Shield leaders Victoria are facing a hefty defeat against NSW after a double century by former Australian Test batsman Ed Cowan on Friday's third day of their clash at the MCG.
The Bushrangers will begin Saturday's final day at 4-78, still 187 runs shy of making the Blues bat again.
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Cowan was the undisputed star of day three, scoring a faultless 212, just 13 runs off his career best achieved seven years ago for Tasmania.
Cowan batted all day on Thursday and into the second session on Friday in an eight-hour, 386-ball innings.
Cowan and wicketkeeper Peter Nevill shared a confident 202-run stand for the fifth wicket.
Playing against his home state, Nevill scored his eighth first-class century, before he was eventually the last man out for 118.
NSW started the day with a 42-run overall lead at 4-300, before they were eventually all out for 523.
But while the Blues made batting look easy, the Bushrangers struggled and scored at just two runs an over throughout the final session.
Sean Abbott returned best figures of 2-8 from six tight overs for the Blues.
Opener Travis Dean (35no) remains Victoria's best hope, while Sam Harper will resume on one.
AAP