Trent Copeland is upbeat NSW can conjure a victory in their Sheffield Shield clash with Tasmania at the SCG, despite wet weather meaning only 4.3 overs of play was possible on day three.
Tasmania trail by 327 runs, having reached 4-115 at stumps on Wednesday.
Under the weather: Jack Edwards of the Blues fields as storm clouds come in on Wednesday.Credit:AAP
George Bailey was caught behind off the first ball of the day, becoming Copeland's fourth victim.
The covers came on soon after and remained in place for the majority of the day, with officials giving up hope of a resumption at 4.45pm.
The final day will now start at 10am on Thursday, when Nathan Lyon and Tim Paine will both be seeking to tune up for Australia's Test series against India.
The odds are stacked against NSW forcing a result but Copeland tipped captains Bailey and Peter Nevill would both ensure things don't peter out.
"Judging from the type of people that George and Nev are, I think both teams will try to get into a situation where there is a good game on the line and both teams can win," Copeland said.
"It will be a day-three wicket but I think it'll offer a bit for the spinners.
"While guys who get in and bat well can still score runs … a bit of the old- school SCG, which is nice."
Copeland has snared every Tasmanian wicket to fall, three of which were caught behind by former Test keeper Nevill.
Breakthrough: Trent Copeland reacts to claiming the wicket of George Bailey.Credit:AAP
Copeland removed Alex Doolan, Jordan Silk and Beau Webster during a collapse of 3-8 on Tuesday.
Jake Doran and Matthew Wade are currently at the crease, with Paine set to enter the fray at the fall of a wicket.
Lyon, omitted from Australia's ODI squad and asked to focus on his red-ball bowling by national selectors, has already caused a few headaches on a slow SCG pitch.
Australia's most prolific offspinner created a chance on Tuesday when Doolan was on 15, only for Jack Edwards to spill a regulation catch in the deep.
Lyon now sits fourth on Australia's list of all-time Test wicket-takers, behind only Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Dennis Lillee.
But the tweaker's Shield record at the SCG surprisingly stands at one wicket from two games, something he will be keen to change ahead of Australia's Test series against India that starts at Adelaide Oval on December 6.
"Tomorrow will be a nice test for him. In terms of trying to help us win a game but also get ready for that first Test," Copeland said.
"He's bowled really well."
AAP
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