Blues Test hopefuls shine in Hobart

Dumped Test wicketkeeper Peter Nevill is among the NSW Sheffield Shield players giving national selectors a nudge with a trio of half centuries on day one against Tasmania in Hobart.

The Blues reached 3-288 at stumps on Saturday and along the way Kurtis Patterson (71), skipper Moises Henriques (94 not out), and Nevill (73 not out) found runs on the Blundstone Arena pitch which caused Australia's Test side so much frustration against South Africa a fortnight ago.

Nevill was part of Australia's XI and managed to scratch together scores of just three and six over two innings against the Proteas in Hobart.

After being omitted from the Test side, the NSW No.5 returned to the southern capital with a point to prove.

Nevill reached his 50 from 106 deliveries and by the end of play had belted eight boundaries and a six to finish the day unbeaten.

Earlier, Patterson came out firing as he replaced opener Ed Cowan (eight).

His half-century is his fourth scores in excess of 50 in as many Shield matches, including 111 against Queensland to open the season.

Handed a lifeline just after lunch when Ben Dunk, fielding at gully, dropped the classy batsman, Patterson was out bowled by Sam Rainbird (1-62) a short time later.

With opener Daniel Hughes (30) already back in the sheds, Henriques and Nevill dug in for the visitors, building an unbeaten partnership of 159.

The skipper, widely speculated to be on the radar for Test selectors during South Africa's visit Down Under but failing to make the cut, looked solid and finished close to his century, having guided NSW to a strong position at the end of day one.

James Faulkner (2-35) did most of the damage for the Tigers, claiming the scalps of Cowan and Hughes who were both caught behind.

Under strict instructions from Cricket Australia to take it easy due to recent knee issues, Faulkner opened the bowling and got the hosts off to a good start after skipper George Bailey won the toss and told the visitors to bat.

Quick Single: Faulkner on lights duties for Shield clash

Allrounder Faulkner, who has been picked in the ODI squad taking on New Zealand in December, bowled three maidens among his 15 overs.

The Blues have included off-spinner Will Somerville in their XI with left-arm tweaker Stephen O'Keefe ruled out with a calf injury.

Tasmania on the other hand opted for a five-man pace-attack , with leg-spinner Cameron Boyce named 12th man.

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