Kurtis Patterson has lifted NSW to 3-100 at lunch on day two of their Sheffield Shield match against Victoria in Sydney, reducing the visitors' lead to 99 runs.
Patterson, among a handful of former Test batters involved in the match seeking to impress in their first hit of the season, resumed on eight and negotiated Thursday's opening session at Drummoyne Oval.
Patterson reached 44 not out at the meal break, leading from the front in his first game since replacing Peter Nevill as the Blues' full-time captain.
The No.3 batter shared an 46-run stand with nightwatchman Harry Conway, who faced 87 deliveries as he frustrated Victoria after being summoned to the middle in Wednesday's final over.
Victoria skipper Peter Handscomb was left to lament a straightforward slips catch he put down late in the morning session, reprieving counterpart Patterson on 33.
Mitchell Perry created the chance and loomed as his side's most threatening bowler, claiming the only wicket to fall in the session when Conway (20) chopped on.
Patterson was otherwise a picture of composure as Victoria, all out for 199 on day one, tried to fight back after removing both openers on Wednesday night.
The 28-year-old was dropped by Australia's selectors after making a Test century at Manuka Oval in 2019.
Patterson's two Tests both came in that summer, when he was among the players asked to step up in suspended stars Steve Smith and David Warner's absence.
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