Tasmania’s Doherty puts his hand up for potential Ashes selection

SYDNEY - Tasmanian left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty struck the first blows in his spin-off with Test incumbent Nathan Hauritz, striking twice before lunch in the Sheffield Shield clash against New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground here.

Doherty [2-45 off 21 overs] dismissed Moises Henriques and Blues skipper Simon Katich in consecutive overs.

At the end of the second day’s play, Tasmania requires a further 90 runs to win the match with seven wickets in hand.

Earlier, the Blues were shot out for 97 and 190, and in reply, the Tasmanians scored 125 and 77 for the loss of three wickets.

Hauritiz did not get a bowl in the first innings and went for seven in one over in the second.

Doherty forced Henriques to pop a simple catch to Ricky Ponting at short cover to be dismissed for 25. The 28-year-old then struck again, bowling Katich around his legs for 36. (ANI)