Warriors collapse hands Blues control

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A Western Australia batting collapse described by coach Justin Langer as "30 minutes of madness" has dented their hopes of playing in their first Sheffield Shield final since 1999 and put NSW in the box seat.

The Warriors reached 5-138 at stumps on day two in their second innings at Canberra's Manuka Oval, putting them just 34 runs ahead of NSW's first innings total of 186.

With NSW, WA and South Australia all locked on 26 points heading into this final round, the winner will secure a berth in next week's final.

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Despite scoring a meagre 82 in their first innings, the Warriors had reached within three runs of drawing level with NSW at 1-101 after confident starts from both Marcus North (44) and Marcus Harris (38).

However North, Harris and captain Adam Voges fell within the space of two runs courtesy of a stellar spell from NSW quick Doug Bollinger (2-34) and all-rounder Sean Abbott (2-20).

Langer remained positive however, saying difficult scoring conditions and a slow outfield meant that a lead of 100 plus would keep his side in the hunt.

"Besides 30 minutes of madness where NSW got the ball to reverse swing, we had a very good day," Langer said.

"We've seen NSW play and miss a lot. If they nick those (tomorrow) and we catch them (we can win). So there's still hope."

That hope will rest squarely on the shoulders of recently dropped Test batsman Shaun Marsh.

Having scored three straight first class ducks since the first Test against South Africa, Marsh will likely never again work harder for a single than the one that got him off the mark on Wednesday.

The recently dropped Test batsman survived a run-out attempt after an aborted run, a huge appeal for caught behind, and an edge that didn't carry to second slip before flicking one off his hip from his 12th ball to end his horror run of noughts and finish the day nine not out.

NSW batsman Kurtis Patterson, who hit 44, said his side would look to dismiss Marsh as quickly as possible.

"He's a big danger man, as is Sam Whiteman (20 not out), and even Ashton Agar coming in," Patterson said.

"We don't want to be chasing any more than 200."

The Warriors began rebuilding early on Wednesday, claiming six quick wickets in the first session with spinner Ashton Agar riding some luck to pick up just his second first-class five-wicket haul (5-74) in the fight back.