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.

At tea on Friday, NSW were 3-123, giving them a 172-run lead after Tasmania posted 239 for their first innings.

Steve Smith is playing a steady hand for NSW in slow conditions, with the Australian middle-order batsman 31 not out, with Scott Henry unbeaten on 33.

Hilfenhaus has figures of 1-26 off 11 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.

Meanwhile, after exploding out of the blocks for NSW in the domestic one-day competition, David Warner has failed to make an impact in the Shield opener.

Warner was out for 15, trapped lbw by impressive youngster Sam Rainbird on day three.

Despite the loss of their star opener, and his partner Nic Maddinson (35), NSW are in a strong position with the wicket likely to deteriorate further on the final day.

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.