A stunning triple century by opener Simon Katich put New South Wales in a commanding position at stumps on day three against Queensland in their four-day domestic match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The Blues captain, who smashed his way to 306, combined with 123 from Brad Haddin, to launch NSW to 8 for 601 declared, handing the home side a 134 run lead as Queensland finished the day’s play at 0-9.

Katich played well up until reaching the nervous nineties, where he then wasted 54 balls before bringing up his ton before lunch.

But on return from the break the former Test player let loose, carving the Queensland attack for 30 boundaries and nine sixes in a tremendous turn around to reach his highest career total and the first triple century at the SCG since Don Bradman’s 452 not out in 1930.

Agonisingly for Queensland, Katich was dropped on 181 after edging to Bulls keeper Chris Hartley off the bowling of Mitchell Johnson.

The blistering knock was brought to an end by Ashley Noffke who was the pick of the bowlers with final figures of 5-108.

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Posted on October 28th, 2007 by Klaus Roe
Filed under: Cricket