Sydney University captain Nick Larkin dominated the first session of today's Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and Queensland at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
After Blues captain Moises Henriques won the toss and chose to bat, Larkin lost his opening partner Daniel Hughes to the last ball of the first over of the match. When the second NSW wicket fell four balls later, the home side found itself in unexpected trouble at 2 for 2. showing great maturity and composure, Larkin rebuilt the innings in company with Kurtis Patterson, with whom he added 156 for the third wicket in unpleasantly hot conditions. Larkin drove fluently and was merciless whenever the ball drifted on to his pads. He reached 86 from 138 balls, hitting eleven 4s, before he hit a return catch to Queensland off-spinner Jason Floros, who dived to his right to haul in a one-handed grab.
A short time ago, New South Wales had reached 3 for 167.