Warner and Khawaja build on New South Wales gains

New South Wales 5 for 346 (Khawaja 77*, Mail 59, Cowan 58) lead Western Australia 210 by 136 runs
Scorecard
Points table

David Warner's first-class debut took on a similar tempo to his international starts for Australia as he arrived to help push New South Wales' lead to 136. The home batsmen had all made useful contributions as they overhauled Western Australia's 210 and then Warner entered at No. 6 and quickly made a mark alongside the increasingly attacking Usman Khawaja.

Khawaja followed his maiden century against Queensland last week with another valuable contribution of 77 not out. He picked up the pace late in the day and will look to register another hundred on the third morning.

Warner, who exploded into Australia's limited-overs plans this summer, had to wait all season for a chance under a baggy blue, but it was a memorable opening. He struck five fours and a six off Aaron Heal while moving to 30 at better than a run a ball. However, Warner was out-thought on 42 by Josh Mangan and was caught at second slip off his glove.

Ed Cowan and Greg Mail both opened with half-centuries in a solid stand of 119 before Cowan was lbw to David Bandy on 58. Mail joined Cowan in the dressing room after lunch when he was stumped for 59 going down the pitch to Heal.

Ben Rohrer (34) also got used to the conditions before he departed to a take in the gully, giving Bandy his second wicket. The same thing happened to the captain Dominic Thornely, who reached 56 and was lbw to Brad Knowles. In the end the hits and misses weren't a problem and the Blues have control of a match both sides are desperate to win to avoid finishing the season in last.