Struggling Redbacks face challenge to save match

South Australia 313 and 1 for 53 trail New South Wales 576 (Hughes 198, Forrest 135, Casson 70, Hauritz 66, Tait 3-104) by 210 runs
Scorecard

Phillip Hughes narrowly missed out on a double-century but New South Wales remained in total control on the third day against South Australia. After Hughes fell for 198, the lower-order men Beau Casson and Nathan Hauritz gave the Redbacks further headaches with half-centuries that pushed the Blues to 576 with a first-innings lead of 263.

That advantage had been reduced to 210 by stumps as South Australia reached 1 for 53 with Daniel Harris on 25 and Michael Klinger on 14. However, an uncharacteristically resolute batting effort is required from the Redbacks on the final day if they are to avoid their first loss of the season.

At least the past two days should have shown them that there are plenty of runs in the pitch. Hughes resumed on 170 - already comfortably his best first-class score - and moved within sight of a double-hundred in the first session. But Mark Cleary ended that dream when Hughes was caught behind, bringing a close to a seven-and-a-half-hour stay at the crease.

It left the Blues at 7 for 425; they had an encouraging lead but had the Redbacks skittled the tail the home side could have stayed in the game. As it happened, South Australia could not split up the two New South Wales spinners, Casson and Hauritz, who put together a 130-run eighth-wicket partnership.

Casson finally gave Aaron O'Brien a return catch for 70 before Hauritz was caught behind off Shaun Tait for 66. Another late strike improved the appearance of Tait's figures - he finished with 3 for 104 from 29.4 overs - but nothing could mask the one-sided nature of the first three days.