Nick Jewell fought through steamy conditions to register his sixth first-class century as Victoria were forced to battle on the opening day
Cricinfo staff30-Jan-2009
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Nick Jewell starred for Victoria on a draining day for Victoria at the MCG © Getty Images
Nick Jewell fought through steamy conditions to register his sixth first-class century as Victoria were forced to battle on the opening day against South Australia. With the temperature reaching the mid-40s after tea, the Bushrangers, who lead the competition by eight points, were forced to sweat for their runs and Jewell gathered 105 in their useful 7 for 305.Jewell, who is usually a cautious batsman, preferred to hit boundaries in the heat and picked up 17 fours and a six during his important 157-ball innings. He put on 123 with Lloyd Mash, playing his first game of the summer, and exited with a tired drive off Daniel Harris to Tom Cooper at short mid-off.Chris Rogers, who is in contention for Matthew Hayden’s Test spot, had moved to 24 when he was lbw to a Matthew Weeks yorker early in the day. Victoria recovered well until losing 4 for 46 to be 5 for 223 when Mash was caught behind for 63. It was Graham Manou’s second catch, following Rob Quiney’s edged drive off Harris, who collected 2 for 30 off 16 overs.The captain Andrew McDonald (17) also fell during that stage before Adam Crosthwaite, the wicketkeeper playing as a batsman, made 12 and Matthew Wade, the designated gloveman, chipped in with 41. Five South Australian bowlers gained a wicket each and were relieved when the weather cooled late in the day.