Ed Cowan century powers NSW to good total against Western Australia

Cowan made an evan 100 as he continues to press his claims for an Australian call up anchoring the Blues innings on a traditionally slow wicket at Blacktown.

Cowan and opening partner Nic Maddinson (74) combined for a 133-run partnership for the unbeaten Blues to lay the platform for a late onslaught which was lead by Moises Henriques (43 not out).

Earlier, Australian captain Steve Smith was out for a duck and recently retired test batsman Shane Watson could only manage 13.

Doug Bollinger was absent from the NSW squad again, raising questions when, and if, he would return. NSW bowling coach Geoff Lawson said they are "taking it by a game-by-game basis" and would not elaborate on Bollinger's return.

National team bowler Josh Hazlewood has not returned for the Blues yet, but Lawson said he was not far off.

"He bowled a few overs in the nets today," he said. "He's building up for a game. He's probably another week or so away at least, but he's coming along nicely."

Mitchell Starc has played all three games so far in the Matador Cup, but Lawson doesn't expect a rest to be forthcoming for the paceman.

"We assess every game as it comes along. We're trying to win a tournament. We want to win every game. [We need to] see how people's fitness is. How the pitches are, and make decisions appropriately."

Meanwhile, the Cricket Australia X1 caused a major upset defeating Tasmania by three runs. After heavy defeats in thier opening two matches, opener Marcus Harris (84) and captain Will Bosisto (64) combined for a second-wicket partnership of 95 to give the youngsters a total of 241 - more than their previous two totals combined. Jack Wildermuth and Matthew Dixon then took three wickets to restrict Tasmania to 238 and move them off the bottom off the ladder.