PERTH (Australia), Jan 23: Retiring Australian captain Steve Waugh cost his home state dearly Friday, dropping two catches to leave Western Australia well placed after the first day of its Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales.

Waugh had a forgettable day at the Western Australia Cricket Association Ground as Western Australian batsman Chris Rogers on 142 not out lifted his team to opening day honours.

His decision to send Western Australia into bat also backfired as they finished on 278 for three at stumps with Marcus North also unbeaten on seven. In Hobart, Tasmania weathered criticism from rivals Queensland to build a first-innings lead in the match at Bellerive Oval.

On the third day Tasmania, after being attacked for batting too slowly, was in the box seat after declaring its innings closed at 402 for four in reply to Queensland's 400 for eight declared.

The Tasmanians were also on the front foot in Queensland's second innings, with a triumphant Shane Watson returning to bowling after a year-long rest to claim Queensland's former Test batsmen Martin Love and Stuart Law.

Queensland was 4-140 at stumps in its second innings, leading Tasmania by 138 overall, with newcomer Craig Philipson unbeaten on 23 and James Hopes 30.

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