WA in trouble early against NSW

New South Wales have made inroads into the West Australian batting line-up on the opening day of the Sheffield Shield clash at the WACA Ground.

With leaden skies, a grassy wicket and a strong breeze, Blues skipper Michael Clarke was delighted to call correctly and give his bowlers first use of the favourable conditions in the season opener.

The Blues seamers responded as Clarke hoped, claiming the key wickets of former Test batsman Shaun Marsh (one) and Marcus North (12) cheaply as WA struggled to 3-61 at lunch.

Opener Marcus Harris was on 31 and Adam Voges was on six.

Trent Copeland was the first Blues paceman to strike, having opener Liam Davis caught behind by Brad Haddin for eight.

Marsh, hoping to resurrect his international career, came in at first drop and didn’t look particularly comfortable at the crease during his short stay.

He eventually chased a wide delivery from Doug Bollinger and got an edge through to Haddin.

North and Harris steadied the ship briefly, before North lofted a simple catch to Bollinger at deep fine leg from the bowling of Josh Hazlewood to leave WA in trouble at 3-48.

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