Steve Waugh may as well have ridden a white charger into the middle of the MCG.

The man who has forged a 20-year cricket career on rescuing innings in distress did it again on the opening day of NSW's critical Pura Cup match against Victoria.

With NSW reeling at 2-0 after four overs and its hopes of a Pura Cup final berth looking as sick as the scorecard, the Blues skipper strode to the crease with his team's season on the line.

And as he has done so often, Waugh was still there at the close of play 334 minutes later - unbeaten on 125, a 72nd first-class century in his keep and his side in control at 4-279 in their first innings.

"It's a good challenge," Waugh said of coming in with his side in desperate trouble.

"Obviously those are the times I play my best cricket.

"It was tough out there for the first couple of hours and after that, the wicket seemed to flatten out.

"I feel pretty good. I've been hitting the ball really well for a long time now.

"Now I'm looking forward to making a big one tomorrow."

In a match in which the winner will have the inside running for a Pura Cup final spot, the second-placed Bushrangers will rue allowing the third-placed Blues off the rack.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP