Bancroft, Harris steady Warriors

A day that promised so much turned disastrous for NSW with Western Australia assuming control after the second day of the Sheffield Shield match at the WACA Ground.

NSW ended the first day in a solid position at 5-284 following 124 from Daniel Hughes. But things didn't go well from the start when Steve O'Keefe was struck on the hand by Joel Paris.

He had to retire hurt and scans later revealed a broken finger requiring surgery.

The Blues added just 32 runs to be all out for 316 and at stumps, WA recovered from 2-7 to 3-247 in a strong position.

Marcus Harris made a tremendous 120 with Cameron Bancroft remaining not out 85 alongside Ashton Turner who is 20.

It was a good day for WA starting with the ball led by Paris who took 3-11 in 39 balls to finish with 4-61. Michael Hogan and David Moody took two wickets each.

After Doug Bollinger claimed two wickets in as many balls to dismiss Will Bosisto (5) and Michael Klinger (0), Harris and Bancroft took over the game with a 205-run partnership.

Harris recorded his fourth first-class century and brought it up in style with a lofted shot over mid-on for four off Nic Maddinson.

Harris was recalled after a lacklustre summer to date with him unable to recapture the form that saw him score 81 and 158 not out in last year's final.

Across Shield, one-day and Big Bash League cricket this season, Harris had scored just one half-century in 16 knocks and was averaging under 21.

But he made the most of the recall taking Adam Voges' No.4 spot and delivering 120 in 188 balls with 23 fours. The 23-year-old was pleased to hit back in such fashion.

"Coming in under pressure makes it a bit more satisfying. I was on my toes straight away but to get through those tough patches and come out with 100 is pretty satisfying," Harris said.

"To be dropped after a couple of Shield games, sometimes you get down in the dumps but I worked as hard as I could. So to come back with this hundred is a good feeling."