Davis defies Bollinger with century

Western Australia 6 for 312 (Davis 116, Voges 84, Langer 54, Bollinger 5-69) v New South Wales
Scorecard

Liam Davis grabbed his opportunity, making 116 for the Warriors © Getty Images Enlarge

Liam Davis outshone his more-fancied top-order colleagues with a century in his second match but Doug Bollinger's five wickets helped New South Wales fight back late on the first day in Sydney. Davis, a late addition to the side, posted 116 and at the close Western Australia had 6 for 312, with Marcus North unbeaten on 13 and Aaron Heal (2) falling on the final delivery.

The Warriors were well on top at 2 for 278 when a late rally from Bollinger with the new ball changed the situation significantly. Bollinger collected three wickets in five overs, the first of which was Davis lbw, ending a five-hour innings that would never have happened but for Shaun Marsh's late withdrawal with a hamstring injury.

Bollinger then grabbed a return catch to send back Adam Voges, who had made 84 and combined with Davis in a 153-run stand, and added Luke Pomersbach (10) to his collection. His 5 for 69 catapulted him to the top of this season's Pura Cup wicket tally and he now has 39 at 14.35 from only six matches.

But not even Bollinger could stop Davis, 23, from registering his maiden first-class century, which came up with a six over square leg off the medium-pacer Greg Mail. He opened with Australia's latest Test recruit, Chris Rogers, whose return to state duties ended when was caught behind off Bollinger for 16.

Another former Test opener, Justin Langer, then joined Davis and the pair added 94 for the second wicket. Langer (54) was Bollinger's second victim but Davis kept the runs coming and ensured that even allowing for Bollinger's heroics, the Warriors would have a healthy total to defend.