Tasmanian fast bowler Ben Hilfenhaus sent Australian selectors a timely pre-Ashes reminder by knocking Test 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 seven can only boost his hopes of a Test recall.
Despite Clarke’s cheap exit, NSW set Tasmania a challenging target of 295 to win the Shield opener with 10 overs to be bowled on Friday.
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 for NSW in slow conditions, which will only get tougher for the Tigers’ fourth-innings chase.
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 snared 3-56.
