Rogers and Hussey make Waugh pay

Western Australia 3 for 278 (Rogers 142*, Hussey 76) v New South Wales
Scorecard

Steve Waugh may miss playing cricket in his retirement - but he won't miss days like today. Waugh, the New South Wales captain, had a forgettable day with two dropped catches as century-maker Chris Rogers gave Western Australia the opening day honours at the WACA.

Rogers's highest Pura Cup score of the summer, 142 not out, ensured Waugh's decision to send WA in backfired as they closed on 3 for 278. Rogers feasted on NSW's bowling for the second time in two seasons after recording his highest first-class score of 194 in the corresponding fixture last summer.

He also extended his impressive record in the four-day competition this season to 610 runs at 76.25, after making 745 runs at 46.56 in 2002-03. He was the chief tormentor for NSW, who beat the bat time after time, but for scant reward.

NSW entered the match desperately needing points against bottom-placed WA to revive their flagging Pura Cup defence. It started well enough with Nathan Bracken picking up Justin Langer for 12 after he hit a low catch to Dominic Thornely.

NSW's pace attack produced plenty of movement all day, but Waugh grassed a regulation chance at first slip with Hussey on 9, off Stuart Clark. It proved costly as the dogged Hussey and Rogers put on 179 for the second wicket.

Rogers broke his bat after lunch and his new one almost proved too effective some seven runs later. He chipped a ball in the air off his pads, but Clark grassed a straightforward opportunity in the deep off Thornely's bowling with the total at 1-132.

Waugh, in his last first-class appearance at Perth, turned to his sixth bowler in legspinner Stuart MacGill before the tea interval. Thornely handed them some respite by forcing Hussey to nudge a ball to wicketkeeper Nathan Pilon in the second over after tea.

But Rogers maintained his scoring rate and brought up his hundred by smashing Bracken through point for four. He was given another life late in the day, on 135, when Waugh dropped another chance which flew just below shoulder height off Matthew Nicholson. Murray Goodwin (16) was trapped in front by Clark in the final hour and Rogers and North sedately batted out the day.

Simon Katich arrived late in the morning after flying in from Sydney following Australia's one-day victory over India at the SCG last night. Meanwwhile, Beau Casson was ruled out before play after injuring his hand and was replaced by Ben Edmondson, the fast bowler.