New South Wales have made a strong start against Tasmania as the second-placed Blues chase a spot in next week's Sheffield Shield final.
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After being sent in to bat under heavy Hobart skies, NSW batted through the opening session without loss to reach 0-75 at lunch.
Daniel Hughes (43 not out) and Nick Larkin (26 not out) faced few difficult moments at Bellerive Oval, which produced a run-fest last week when Western Australia ended Tasmania's hopes with a narrow-win.
NSW will win a spot in the Shield final against ladder leaders Victoria provided they match or better Western Australia's result against Queensland.
NSW are without wicketkeeper Peter Nevill due to the birth of his first child and injured spinner Steve O'Keefe, with debutants Baxter Holt and Nick Bertus coming into the side.
Fifth-placed Tasmania brought bowlers Hamish Kingston and Simon Milenko back into their starting XI.
Australian Associated Press
