Hughes hits back with 79 in draw

New South Wales 8 for 420 dec and 5 for 208 (Hughes 79) drew with Tasmania 482
Scorecard

Phillip Hughes added some excitement at the SCG by posting 79 the day after he was overlooked for the first Test squad. Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of selectors, told Hughes he needed more runs to regain his spot, which he lost after two Ashes matches, and he collected his highest score of the season as the match against Tasmania ended in a draw.

New South Wales started their second innings at the beginning of the final morning and Hughes' half-century pushed them towards a total of 5 for 208 when play was called off due to another rain delay. A storm had forced an early tea and Hughes was dismissed shortly after the resumption when he was caught at point off Luke Butterworth.

The Blues lost Phil Jaques for 3 in the fourth over when he cut at Tim Macdonald and Simon Katich warmed up for Thursday's first Test with 46 before he was lbw to Brendan Drew. Michael Clarke followed his 106 in the first innings with 18 after being tricked by Jason Krejza and caught at slip. The weather also forced a short stay for Brad Haddin, who was 28 when the game finished.

Despite having line-ups with significant international experience, the Blues are last and have no points after two games. Tasmania sit in fifth after they opened their account with their first-innings success.