Smith regains momentum for NSW

New South Wales 4 for 326 (Jaques 88, Smith 71, Forrest 62, Hughes 58) v Tasmania
Scorecard

Steven Smith and Peter Forrest steadied New South Wales on a two-paced first day as they finished at 4 for 326 in Hobart. The Blues sped through Phil Jaques and Phillip Hughes to register 140 in the first session before being held back in the second and easing away in the third.

Smith and Forrest overcame some tight bowling from Tasmania during a stand of 119 for the fourth wicket that regained the momentum. However, Forrest gave Tim Paine his third catch late in the day to depart with 62, but Smith made it to stumps unbeaten on 71.

Jaques and Hughes opened with 118 in 25.1 overs - about the rate expected in a one-day game - before Hughes (58) was caught behind off Adam Griffith, who had 2 for 72. Jaques moved confidently towards a century but fell for 88 trying to sweep Xavier Doherty.

The loss of Usman Khawaja (22) three overs later left the visitors at 3 for 175, but Smith and Forrest steered the side away from danger. New South Wales are almost certainly out of contention for the final while Tasmania are currently third.