Rogers and North put skids on Blues machine

PERTH, March 1 AAP - Chris Rogers' and Marcus North's outstanding 369-run partnership put Western Australia back in with a chance in the Pura Cup cricket match against NSW at the WACA Ground.

Chasing 182 runs for outright victory, the Blues head into the final day at 3-29 with Michael Slater not out 14 and Don Nash unbeaten on two after WA resurrected the contest today.

The Blues had the worst possible start to their fourth innings with Greg Mail bowled first ball by an inspired Matthew Nicholson (2-10).

Veteran quick Jo Angel then had Simon Katich (two) trapped in front to hand the Blues' innings the wobbles.

But Nicholson took the prized scalp of NSW captain Steve Waugh (two) just before stumps to keep the home team on track after trailing by 308 runs on first innings.

Rogers' career-best knock of 194 and North's gallant 178 were the backbone of WA's second dig, which ended on 489.

North is no stranger to leading escape acts after making an unbeaten double century last summer to lead WA to a memorable victory over Victoria after being forced to follow on at the MCG.

Rogers' and North's fourth wicket stand was the second highest partnership for WA in Pura Cup/Sheffield Shield history.

Only Michael Veletta and Geoff Marsh's opening stand of 431 against South Australia in 1989-90 was better.

After resuming at 3-216, it was a Brad Haddin blue which allowed Rogers to go on and nearly post a maiden double century after a missed stumping opportunity when Rogers was on 93 and the total 227.

The Blues' fielding, which had been so sharp in knocking off WA for 110 in the first innings, fell away as the pair barely put a foot wrong.

Rogers and North had precious little support from their teammates with the last seven wickets falling for 44 runs.

Rogers said he thrived on leading the remarkable fightback with North.

"I quite enjoyed the challenge of being in that sort of position," Rogers said.

"It gives a lot more purpose to the cause of batting and the chance to do an important job for your team.

"I took the attitude that I wanted to be the player that did a great job for our team today.

"I like it when there is a big target to chase and you can set yourself toward a long time at the crease and that's what Marcus and I did."

Rogers' last century came early in the summer when he stonewalled the South Australian attack for almost an entire day to deny the Redbacks an outright victory.