Tasmanian fast bowler Ben Hilfenhaus sent selectors a timely pre-Ashes reminder by knocking Australian captain Michael Clarke’s off-stump out of the ground on day three of the Sheffield Shield clash at Blacktown.
Some might say claiming the skipper’s wicket isn’t the smartest career move, but for Hilfenhaus the prized scalp of Clarke for just 7 can only boost his hopes of a Test recall.
Despite Clarke’s cheap exit, NSW are in the box seat to win the Shield opener, with conditions only going to get tougher for the chasing Tasmanians on day four.
At stumps, Tasmania are 1-18, trailing by 276 runs after being set a challenging target of 295 to win.
Test hopeful Josh Hazlewood claimed the key wicket of Ed Cowan, the type of batsman capable of sticking around in tough conditions.
Cowan was nabbed by a brilliant catch at gully by a flying Nic Maddinson to go for 4 leaving Ben Dunk (12 not out) and Alex Doolan (0no) with a big task on Saturday.
NSW were bowled out for 245 from 72 overs in their second innings, with Australian middle-order batsman Steve Smith starring with 63 and Scott Henry chipping in with 65.
After Tasmania’s initial 239 left them with a 49-run first-innings deficit, Smith played a steady hand to hammer home an advantage for NSW in slow conditions.
Hilfenhaus finished with figures of 2-42 off 14 overs, with his delivery to dismiss Clarke a beauty, nipping back nicely to take off.
The right-arm quick had a brilliant run two summers ago against India, but struggled a little last year and hasn’t played a Test since December.
However, given the injury problems plaguing Australia’s quicks, Hilfenhaus will be in contention to face England throughout the summer if he performs well.
NSW quick Doug Bollinger was another to put his hand up, taking 6-62 in the Tigers’ first dig.
Meanwhile, after exploding out of the blocks for NSW in the domestic one-day competition, David Warner failed to make an impact in the Shield opener.
Warner was out for 15, trapped lbw by impressive youngster Sam Rainbird on day three.
The fiery left-hander made three hundreds for NSW in a stellar one-day exhibition last month, but he’s struggled in his first outing of the summer facing the red ball, also falling cheaply for 21 in the first innings.
The Australian run-scorer wasn’t happy with his lbw decision, adamant he hit the ball.
Tasmanian spinner Clive Rose took 4-64 and Evan Gulbis took 3-56.