Lehmann stands firm after Clarke's career best

South Australia 5 for 190 (Lehmann 76*, MacGill 3-97) trail New South Wales 9 dec for 515 (Clarke 178, Katich 144, Cullen 4-149) by 325 runs
Scorecard

Darren Lehmann held back New South Wales with an unbeaten half-century but the home side gained further control on the second day at the SCG. Michael Clarke catapulted the Blues towards a huge first innings of 9 for 515 declared before South Australia's revamped batting order stumbled against Brett Lee, who claimed two victims, and Stuart MacGill.

MacGill was expensive but took the crucial wickets of Matthew Elliott, who was bowled offering no shot in his first Pura Cup match for the state after moving from Victoria, and Greg Blewett before capturing Cameron Borgas three overs before stumps. South Australian fans are excited to have Lehmann onboard for the full summer after his demotion from international ranks, and he began the season with 12 fours in 90 balls.

Clarke continued his prolific week with his highest first-class score, beating the 151 of his Test debut against India last year. Resuming on 115 this morning, Clarke, who posted a double-century in grade cricket on Saturday and an ING Cup half-century on Sunday, sped to 178 from 251 balls before falling to a Borgas catch at deep cover.

The plunder did not stop with Clarke's departure at 443 and Simon Katich, who fell for 144 in the second over of the day, waited until Dominic Thornely had made 43 and Brad Haddin was dismissed for 38 before declaring. Daniel Cullen, the Cricket Australia-contracted offspinner, delivered 51.5 overs and was rewarded with four wickets, including those of Clark and Nathan Bracken, who were both grabbed at slip by Elliott.