Bevan equals record with magnificent seventh hundred

Tasmania 2 for 252 (Bevan 104*, Di Venuto 78*) trail New South Wales 8 for 367 dec (Thornely 135*, Phelps 72, Jaques 48) by 115 runs
Scorecard

Michael Bevan's spectacular streak continued with his record-equalling seventh century of the season as Tasmania closed in on New South Wales at Bellerive Oval. When Bevan raised three figures he drew level with Matthew Hayden and Matthew Elliott as the only players in the competition to reach seven hundreds in a summer. Hayden set the mark in 1993-94 and Elliott matched it last year.

Bevan lost his Cricket Australia contract in April and moved south to Tasmania when the Blues did not show enough interest in retaining him. He has given his new state a stunning collection of runs, and he will eye first-innings points tomorrow when he resumes on 104 after hitting 11 fours and one six today.

Tasmania are 115 behind the Blues thanks to the 128-run partnership between Bevan and Michael Di Venuto as they chased New South Wales' 8 for 367 declared. Stuart Clark collected both Jamie Cox (19), who was recalled after a string of good performances in the 2nd XI, and Travis Birt (28) with caught behind dismissals. The Blues added 64 before declaring in the first session, leaving Dominic Thornely unbeaten on 135.