Rookie Tasmanian fast bowler Sam Rainbird stole the thunder from NSW and their captain Michael Clarke on day one of the Sheffield Shield opener at Blacktown on Wednesday.
Clarke was grinding his way towards a chanceless ton against the defending Shield champions, before he eventually nicked one behind off impressive second-game quick Rainbird (5-60) to depart for 88.
Nonetheless, it was a timely statement three weeks out from the Ashes that off-field dramas and a back injury haven't hampered Clarke's focus.
NSW were 8-280 off 96 overs at stumps on day one, after Tasmania, who lost the toss, dug in well with the ball on a deck that offered little for the bowlers.
Ryan Carters (33) and Nathan Lyon (4) are the not out batsmen for the Blues.
Ben Hilfenhaus got his bid for a Test return off to a tidy start dismissing danger man David Warner caught and bowled, but it was 21-year-old Rainbird who stole the show.
Clarke was quick to praise the Tasmanian for his efforts and Rainbird said it was intimidating to bowl to the Aussie skipper.
"I've watched him a lot when I was growing up," he said.
"It's great. I was pretty nervous but once I got my first one out of the way it was good. He is very hard to bowl to, he's hitting the ball well so I was a bit intimidated."
Earlier, Clarke put on substantial partnerships with Scott Henry (48) and Steve Smith (42) before NSW lost 3-10 and 5-49 to bring the Tigers back into the contest.
It was a disappointing fade from a NSW side with big expectations for this season, but batting conditions are likely to get worse as the match goes on.
Clarke's timing wasn't pristine, but it was a workmanlike innings. He brought his 50 up off 103 balls and eventually faced 190 deliveries during his four hours at the crease.
However, he was visibly disappointed at a disappointing finish, when he attempted to late cut Rainbird but flicked one through to keeper Tim Paine.
Clarke said NSW had failed to take advantage of a strong start and needed more.
"We're obviously a few wickets too many, we would have liked to have been four of five down at this stage but on that wicket I think if we can get somewhere close between 330 and 350 I think we've done pretty well," he said.
"The wicket's quite slow and it's pretty hard to score when the Tassie guys bowl in the right areas."
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