Nevill, Patterson and Henriques all in the runs

New South Wales 3 for 288 (Henriques 94*, Nevill 73*, Patterson 71) v Tasmania
Scorecard

Axed Test wicketkeeper Peter Nevill sent a message to Australia's selectors with a patient unbeaten half-century on the first day for New South Wales against Tasmania at Bellerive Oval. Nevill finished the day on 73 from 175 balls, while Moises Henriques was eyeing off a potential fifth first-class century on 94, and they had taken New South Wales to 3 for 288 after George Bailey won the toss and sent the Blues in.

Ed Cowan fell early when he edged James Faulkner behind for 8, and his opening partner Daniel Hughes was also caught behind off Faulkner for 30. Kurtis Patterson, who was a contender for selection for the Adelaide Test but lost out to Nic Maddinson, compiled 71 before he was bowled by Sam Rainbird. Only once in his past nine first-class games has Patterson failed to pass fifty in the first innings.

His dismissal brought Nevill to the crease to join Henriques at 3 for 129, and by the close of play their partnership had blossomed to 159 runs. Nevill struck eight fours and one six, while Henriques hit 11 boundaries during his 167-ball stay.