Drenching rain has prevented cricket in most parts of Sydney today, but the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and Tasmania in Wollongong has been unaffected. Sent in by the visitors, New South Wales lost three early wickets in the first session, but the experience of University left-hander Ed Cowan salvaged the innings. At lunch, he was unbeaten on 41, out of his side's three for 79, batting with poise and confidence against a testing Tasmanian attack. A short time ago, he had reached 70, as the Blues recovered from their early setbacks to reach three for 131.
Already in this innings, Ed has passed two landmarks - he has reached 500 first-class runs for the season, and 2000 runs for New South Wales in first-class cricket.