New South Wales captain Michael Clarke capitalised on a costly fielding lapse to help the Blues secure first innings points against Western Australia on the second day of the season-opening Sheffield Shield clash at the WACA ground.
The Blues were 9 for 358 in their first innings at stumps on day two, an overall lead of 141 after the Warriors made 217 on the first day.
Steve O'Keefe was 74 not out and Doug Bollinger was on 5.
Clarke, who made just 1 in the limited overs clash between the sides on Sunday, looked in superb touch as he posted 78 before slashing a Nathan Coulter-Nile delivery to Shaun Marsh in slips.
He fell with just three runs needed to secure first innings points, having put on 87 for the sixth wicket with Moises Henriques, who also made 78.
It could have been a different story if Marsh had taken an earlier chance provided by Clarke from the same bowler.
With the Blues under some pressure at 5 for 151, Clarke got an outside edge from the bowling of the unlucky Coulter-Nile.
The ball carried comfortably to Marsh at second slip, but he grassed the simple catch.
Later in the same over, Clarke top-edged a pull shot to fine leg, where the ball landed just in front of Nathan Rimmington as he charged in off the boundary.
Coulter-Nile (2 for 84) also had opener Scott Henry (39) dropped in slips on 16 earlier in the day.
All-rounder Steven Smith, who made an unbeaten 99 in the one-day match, failed to replicate that form and fell to Rimmington (4 for 70) for a duck.
Veteran Test wicketkeeper Brad Haddin (2) lasted just 16 balls being falling LBW to Coulter-Nile.
Haddin played right across the line, but did not appear pleased with the decision.
Henriques was also adjudged LBW, to Rimmington, and was another who did not look happy with the verdict.
AAP
Tags: sport, cricket, perth-6000, sydney-2000 First posted September 19, 2012 20:45:22
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