Shane Watson was dismissed for 21 in his long-awaited return to first-class cricket as New South Wales made a tough start to their Bupa Sheffield Shield match against Western Australia on Friday.
At lunch on day one at the WACA Ground, the Blues were 2-60 after winning the toss and choosing to bat, with Phil Hughes not out on 23.
Watson batted well through the first hour of the match and didn't look bothered by the calf and hamstring problems which have kept him out of the Australian side throughout the summer but Nathan Coulter-Nile (1-6 off five overs) dismissed him lbw shortly after drinks.
The all-rounder, who played several stylish drives and had four boundaries in his 42-ball innings, was visibly stunned by umpire Ashley Barrow's decision to give him out with suspicions the ball was going over.
Then Usman Khawaja, who was dropped for two off Coulter-Nile's bowling by Marcus North, was clean bowled for 15 by Michael Hogan (1-25) off the last ball of the session.
North left the field after appearing to injure his catch attempting to take the catch and did not return in the final 20 minutes of the session.
Hogan wrapped Watson on the pads when the opener was on four but the lbw shout was turned down, with the delivery likely going over and also possibly striking him outside the line.
But the 30-year-old dual Allan Border Medallist, playing his first Shield game since November 2010, looked assured early and played two beautiful drives for four in the first six overs.
Watson survived another strong leg before appeal when he was on 14, this time off Rimmington's bowling, but he wasn't so lucky on the second ball after drinks when he was struck while a long way forward and Barrow gave him out after a lengthy wait.
Then just as it seemed NSW's cautious approach had got them to lunch, Hogan produced a brilliant delivery which went straight through Khawaja's defences.
Steven Smith is expected to come in at four after lunch.
Outright victory for second-placed WA would give their hopes of making the final for the first time since 1998-99 a major boost, while the Blues' chances are all but over.
New South Wales 1st innings
Watson lbw Coulter-Nile 21
Hughes not out 23
Khawaja b Hogan 15
Extras: 1 (0b, 1lb, 0nb, 0w)
Total: 60 (2 wickets; 29 overs)
FOW: 1-30, 2-60
Bowling
Rimmington 11 - 4 - 18 - 0
Hogan 9 - 2 - 25 - 1
Beer 4 - 1 - 10 - 0
Coulter-Nile 5 - 1 - 6 - 1