22-year-old Will Pucovski doesn’t just knock on the door of a test call for Australia – he smashes the door.
Pucovski backed up his impressive 255 not-out for Victoria at Sheffield Shield last weekend with another monster inning on Sunday and scored 183 * on the opening day against Western Australia.
Pucovski teamed up with former Australian opener Marcus Harris for a shield record of 486 against South Australia, before following on Sunday with an opening score of 186 against Western Australia.
Watch the Marsh Sheffield Shield 2020/21 LIVE on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your free trial now and start streaming right away>
New South Wales for 64!
1:10
Run over golden? Labuschagne falls in love with another duck when the test opener flops again
Harris, who scored 239 goals a week ago, was sacked for 71 by an excellent catch from Sam Whiteman.
But Pucovski continued to pile up on the barrels and hit his sixth prime century before charging further towards a third double century.
With reigning opener Joe Burns battling for form, Pucovski’s consecutive tons have him in the box for the selection in the Australia Test XI against India.
In Queensland’s opening innings against South Australia, the burns dropped to 10 and Marnus Labuschagne also slumped on another duck. But Usman Khawaja turned things around for the cops with a delightful century of its own, reaching 131 before falling on Wes Agar.
Burns has now posted points of 7, 29, 0 and 10 – which leaves him desperate after a big score in Queensland’s second inning.
After winning the litter and winning the bat, Queensland finished day 4-331 with Matthew Renshaw 84 * and Jimmy Peirson 60 *.
Fox Sports Sportmail has the latest cricket news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox. Join Now!!!
Marnus sent for a duck
0:46
Everything out for 64! Sheffield Shield champions bowled over by angry veterans
Meanwhile, NSW has been bowled for the third lowest shield total ever, only finishing 64 after being sent in from Tasmania. Mitchell Starcs 18 was the highest score, one of only three players to reach double digits.
Jackson Bird took 4/14 and Peter Siddle 3/17 in the reckless bowling performance.
The Tasmanian opener Jordan Silk battled for 64th place for the rest of the day, leading his team to 4/149 on Stüpffen, an 85 run lead.
But Test incumbent Matthew Wade continued his fight for runs, posting only 10. Peter Siddle was sent in as a night watchman and finished 4 *.
NSW bowler Sean Abbott continued his test berth drive with 2/12 of 13 overs.
.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2024/05/01/3960206-80398828-2560-1440.png?fit=300%2C300&ssl=1)
