Henriques ton drives Blues

A century for experienced NSW Blues all-rounder Moises Henriques has put NSW in a strong position after the opening day of their Sheffield Shield match against Western Australia at Gladys Elphick Park in Adelaide.

The 33 year old shared in a stand of 191 with Daniel Solway, to leave the Blues at 3-262 at stumps.

WA made two changes from its side that defeated South Australia by 205 runs in their season opener against South Australia last week, Joel Paris ruled out with a minor hamstring niggle and speedster Lance Morris left out after a solid debut against the Redbacks.

All-rounder Aaron Hardie and left arm quick Liam Guthrie were the inclusions in the XI, the Blues playing their first game of the summer and first match since their Shield triumph in 2019/20.

Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon was included for New South Wales, making his first appearance on a ground he was initially bought to South Australia to curate before beginning his career with the Redbacks in 2010/11.

Western Australian captain Shaun Marsh won the toss and chose to bowl first, despite a lack of grass cover on a wicket that appeared to favour the batsmen.

Blues openers Nick Larkin and Daniel Hughes made a steady start, getting through the opening hour unscathed and seeing off the new ball threat of Matt Kelly and Cameron Gannon.

Guthrie made the desired breakthrough as Larkin holed out on the pull, caught by Kelly at fine leg with the score on 54.

It was Guthrie's turn to complete a catch in the field moments later when Kurtis Patterson fell for a solitary single, Gannon the bowler.

The session had swung WA's way when Daniel Hughes edged Aaron Hardie to Ashton Turner at second slip moments before lunch, Turner snaffling a smart catch low down to his right.

It would be the last success the WA bowlers would have for the day, Henriques and Solway combining to add an unbroken 191 for the fourth wicket.

The pair went about their work in a patient fashion in the second session, not willing to gift their wickets away on a pitch that was good for batting.

Solway had faced 108 balls for 20 by the Tea break, but Henriques had passed 50 in an authoritative knock mixed with some aggressive strokeplay and solid defence, particularly savage on anything short.

The all-rounder, who has played 4 Tests and 11 ODI's for Australia in a career that spans back to 2006 reached his 11th first class hundred in the final session as he began to up the ante, Solway playing anchor as the WA bowlers began to tire.

On a slow pitch WA reverted to catches in front of the wicket and trying to bring about a mistake, but the pair were unwavering with their concentration, taking the partnership beyond 150 by the close.

Gannon (1-63 from 21 overs), Guthrie (1-58 from 20) and Hardie (1-43 from 10) were the only successful bowlers on a grinding day, Marsh left to rue his decision to bowl first.

The Blues are ideally placed after the opening day, to resume on day two at 3-262 with play to start at 8PM WST, all of the action on 91.3 Sport FM courtesy of cricket.com.au.

IMAGE: The West Australian.