Western Australia falter after Cartwright 78

New South Wales restricted Western Australia to a first-innings lead of only 11 but lost early wickets of their own when batting a second time to leave the Sheffield Shield match at the WACA Ground intriguingly poised.

The tall young paceman Charles Stobo (3-32) bowled with considerable threat for the Blues, while Mickey Edwards picked up a wicket on his state debut and the Test spin bowler Nathan Lyon (3-59) also excelled as the Warriors were unable to make the most of bowling NSW out cheaply on day one.

Hilton Cartwright played the most substantial innings for Western Australia (78 off 172 balls), but none of the Test batting trio of Cameron Bancroft, Shaun Marsh or Mitchell Marsh were able to provide long-lasting support in the middle.

NSW made it to 45 for 0 before Simon Mackin struck three times in the same over to remove Daniel Hughes, Nick Larkin and Moises Henriques. Kurtis Patterson and Ed Cowan then survived the remaining overs to the close with hope of building a significant lead on day three.