Victoria 258 and 4 for 78 (Dean 35*, Harper 1*, Abbott 2-8) trail New South Wales 523 (Cowan 212, Nevill 118, Holland 4-155) by 187 runs
Scorecard

Ed Cowan converted his 23rd first-class century into a double to sustain New South Wales' domination on day three of their Sheffield Shield fixture against Victoria at the MCG. Cowan was involved in a 202-run stand for the fifth wicket with wicketkeeper Peter Nevill, who made 118. New South Wales, resuming on 4 for 300, finished with 523 to open up a 265-run lead.

Jon Holland, the left-arm spinner who broke the massive partnership by dismissing Cowan for 212, took three more wickets to finish with 4 for 155 off 41.1 overs. Nevill, who watched the lower order fall around him, was the last wicket to fall, after a 184-ball innings in which he hit 12 fours and a six. On the second day, Kurtis Patterson and Moises Henriques had also made half-centuries to build the lead.

In reply, Victoria's top order faltered for the second time in the match, slumping to 4 for 78 at stumps, still trailing by 187. Travis Dean, the opener, was unbeaten on 35 and had Sam Harper for company. Sean Abbott impressed in a short burst towards end of play, dismissing Cameron White, the Victoria captain, and Dan Christian. His figures read: 6-2-8-2. The new ball pair of Trent Copeland and Doug Bollinger picked up one wicket each.