Phelps century improves Blues' mood

New South Wales 117 and 3 for 235 (Phelps 124, Thornely 56*) trail Western Australia 9 for 508 dec by 156 runs
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Matthew Phelps struck 19 fours in his 124 © Getty Images Enlarge

A fine Matthew Phelps century gave New South Wales hope of avoiding defeat against Western Australia as they finished the third day at 3 for 235. Still 156 short of making the Warriors bat again, the Blues could at least reflect on an improved day when bad light and a storm forced an early finish.

However, Phelps was disappointed to leave four minutes before the interruption for 124 when Brett Dorey had him caught behind. Phelps walked out in the sixth over and recorded his third hundred of the season in an innings that included 19 fours from 178 balls.

Justin Langer, the Western Australia captain, enforced the follow-on after Ben Edmondson's two wickets ended the home side's innings for 117, with Jason Krejza the last man out for 22. The second attempt also started badly for New South Wales, who were 3 for 6 in their first go, as Phil Jaques failed for the second time, leaving with 4 after hitting Steve Magoffin to David Bandy at point.

Phelps and Craig Simmons (43) steered away from trouble with an 86-run partnership before Dominic Thornely arrived to post a half-century. Thornely was unbeaten on 56 and Aaron O'Brien was not out on 0 when play was called off. Magoffin had figures of 2 for 26 while Dorey collected 1 for 58.