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Bollinger lets his bowling do the talking

Veteran paceman responds to a testing week in court with stellar bowling display in the Matador Cup

Doug Bollinger has ended a difficult week off the field with a superb bowling display on it in NSW's Matador BBQs One-Day Cup victory over the myFoot Dr Queensland Bulls at Drummoyne Oval.

Bollinger appeared in court on Monday at the coronial inquest into the death of Phillip Hughes, where he denied sledging Hughes in the Sheffield Shield match in which the young batsman was fatally struck.

Quick Single: Hughes Inquest ends as cricket draws breath

The left-armer returned to the field on Wednesday and last night he let his actions do the talking, collecting 3-38 in nine overs with his signature bustling and aggressive approach.

"He’s been great," fellow paceman Pat Cummins said after play.

"He’s been his normal self, wandering around in the field in his own little world.

"He’s another one of those guys in pre-season who had a couple of injuries he was trying to manage.

Cummins fires in impressive opening spell


"He’s just come back and looked like he hasn’t had a break. He’s bowling fast and in those middle overs it can sometimes be tough to take wickets but he keeps doing it.

"He looks fit and firing at the moment."

Report & Highlights: Quicks fire Blues to crucial win

Bowling first change behind returning speedsters Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, Bollinger removed opening batsman Charlie Hemphrey when the batsman mistimed his drive to Kurtis Patterson at point.

Test batsman Joe Burns fell two balls later to the veteran, edging a delivery that angled across him through to wicketkeeper Peter Nevill, who made no mistake.

Bollinger returned to remove Nathan Reardon in the 27th over with a fine delivery that just straightened enough to take the left-hander’s edge and be well caught by the ‘keeper.

Extended Highlights: Blues secure tense win


On Monday, the 35-year-old veteran of 12 Tests refuted claims that he sledged Hughes with the phrase "I’m going to kill you" during the Shield clash at the SCG in November 2014.

"I know in my heart I didn't say that," Bollinger told the court.

"I don't remember saying anything like that to anyone.

"I didn't sledge Phil."

The inquest has been adjourned for three weeks by NSW State Coroner Michael Barnes after hearing Friday’s final submissions at Sydney's Downing Centre.