MELBOURNE, March 7: Steve Waugh completed his 73rd first-class century on Friday to help New South Wales press their claims for a place in this year’s Australian interstate cricket final.

The Australian Test captain, who was left out of the one-day side for the World Cup and was under pressure in the national side until scoring a century in the last Ashes Test in January, continued his golden run of form in recent months with an unbeaten 107 at Sydney.

He also shared in an unbroken stand of 147 with Michael Clarke (106 not out) to help NSW finish the day on 343 for three, a lead of 255 over Queensland with seven second-innings wickets in hand.

Brad Hodge made an unbeaten 68 for Victoria against Western Australia to keep alive their hopes of joining Queensland in the final.

Needing to win their own game and hope NSW lose, Victoria finished the second day in Melbourne on 245-4 after dismissing WA for 275, with Cameron White capturing six for 66.

Whern stumps were drawn, Tasmania were 155 for five in reply with Michael DiVenuto playing a lone hand to finish unbeaten on 80.—Reuters