Patterson, Edwards put NSW firmly in control against South Australia

New South Wales seized control of their Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia as Kurtis Patterson and captain Jack Edwards guided the visitors into a strong position at the end of day two.

After the match had been delicately poised following the first innings, NSW emerged with the upper hand, securing a slender five-run lead before extending their advantage to 171 by stumps in their second innings. With the pitch already showing signs of uneven bounce and continued assistance for the pace bowlers, NSW will be confident of their chances bowling last.

South Australia were unable to capitalise on a promising position earlier in the day, once again let down by their lower order. Resuming at 97 for 4, they initially made solid progress through Jason Sangha and Jake Lehmann, with nightwatcher Brendan Doggett offering brief resistance. Sangha’s composed half-century raised hopes of a first-innings lead, but the final five wickets fell for just 38 runs.

Edwards was the chief destroyer with the ball, underlining why he has attracted attention from national selectors. He removed the key wicket of Sangha, inducing a push outside off stump that resulted in a sharp, diving catch from Josh Philippe at first slip, and later added Liam Scott to his tally. South Australia’s momentum stalled further when Nathan McAndrew fell attempting a sweep against Tanveer Sangha, before Lehmann holed out to deep midwicket in search of quick runs.

NSW’s second innings began with drama as Sam Konstas took a painful blow to his right hand from Nathan McAndrew, requiring lengthy treatment. Despite the scare, Konstas counterattacked impressively, racing to 24 from 20 balls. However, both openers departed in quick succession, with Will Salzmann edging Jordan Buckingham and Konstas losing his stumps to an attempted drive, echoing his first-innings dismissal.

Patterson then assumed responsibility, anchoring the innings with trademark patience. He combined with Lachlan Shaw in a cautious stand before Shaw was undone by a fine McAndrew delivery that nipped back sharply to hit the stumps. Josh Philippe again threw away a start, slicing Brendan Doggett to deep point against a predictable short-ball plan.

Unfazed, Patterson continued to grind South Australia down, reaching a well-constructed half-century from 79 balls, albeit with a fortunate edge through the cordon. Edwards provided late impetus, taking on legspinner Lloyd Pope with a towering six over the short leg-side boundary.

The pair will resume unbeaten after putting on 54 for the fifth wicket, having put NSW firmly in the box seat as the match heads into a pivotal third day.