Kurtis Patterson’s resurgence and Jack Edwards’ timely return propelled New South Wales to a respectable total of 239 against Queensland in their Sheffield Shield clash. Patterson, making his first appearance for NSW since being dropped last season, compiled his highest first-class score in two years, an impressive 91. Edwards, recovering from injury, contributed a valuable 88.
NSW’s innings got off to a shaky start as Queensland’s quicks, led by 19-year-old Tom Straker, reduced them to 59 for 5. However, Patterson and Edwards steadied the ship with a crucial 135-run partnership. Patterson, who had been dropped as NSW captain last season, admitted that he needed to be dropped to rediscover his form.
“I probably haven’t said it publicly but I think I needed to be dropped when I was last year because frankly, I wasn’t batting well enough,” Patterson said. “I’d be lying if I said that thought never crossed my mind, whether I’d get another go back here. But thankfully I’ve kind of ticked all the boxes with [grade club] St George and got my opportunity.”
Edwards, who missed the last round with a hamstring injury, played aggressively to regain momentum for NSW. He was unfortunate to be given out caught behind short of a century. Patterson also appeared unhappy with the decision that ended his innings.
NSW lost four wickets for three runs at the end of their innings, but Queensland’s openers, Usman Khawaja and Matt Renshaw, negotiated the new ball spells, including Josh Hazlewood’s first of the season, to finish the day unbeaten.
Queensland’s attack, despite missing senior figures Michael Neser and Mark Steketee, performed admirably. Liam Guthrie, Straker, and Angus Lovell all took wickets.
