Skipper Simon Katich isn’t surprised at teenager Phillip Hughes’ rapid rise in first class cricket after the pair combined to bail NSW out of trouble in their Pura Cup match against Tasmania today.

Katich (86 not out) and rookie opener Hughes (73) compiled a crucial 133-run partnership on day two at Bellerive Oval after the table-topping Blues had slumped to 2-27 in the ninth over.

The visitors finished the day at 3-172 in response to Tasmania’s first innings total of 398, when Michael Di Venuto (144) and wicket-keeper Tim Paine (72) led the charge.

Hughes posted his highest Pura Cup score before the 19-year-old was caught behind by Paine off Brett Geeves (2-42) just four overs before stumps.

It was his fifth half century from as many Pura Cup matches.

“I think he’s got a great temperament on him and he’s settled in beautifully,” Katich said about the teenager from Macksville in northern NSW.

“It hasn’t surprised us. That’s why he got picked and he hasn’t let us down at all.

“He just goes about his business, doesn’t say much and gets on with the job.

“For a kid who’s only 19, his start in first class cricket has been exceptional.”

Katich is also going about his business in clinical fashion.

The former Test batsman has now scored 1,245 runs this season at the astonishing average of 113.18.

He threatens to break former Tiger Michael Bevan’s record for the most runs scored in a Pura Cup/Sheffield Shield season of 1,420.

While not quite feeling invincible in the middle, Katich has been a tough cookie to crack this summer.

“Obviously when you’re making runs you feel confident and that’s a big part of batting,” he said.

“But at the same time you realise that you have to start again all the time.

“Regardless of what’s happened in the past, there’s still that pressure to start again and build an innings.”

The Blues are locked in a battle with Victoria to host the final starting on March 16 and, having lost the decider at Bellerive Oval last year, Katich is aware of how important it is to have home ground advantage.

Tasmania’s bowling attack had the upper hand in the second session today after dismissing Test opener Phil Jaques (four) and Peter Forrest (eight) both caught behind.

But Katich and Hughes, who made his first class debut in November against the Tigers in Sydney, frustrated the Tigers as they launched a spirited fightback to leave the match evenly balanced.

Nightwatchman Beau Casson survived the final few overs of the day without scoring.

“If we get Katich, he’s the key wicket, and put pressure on their middle order then hopefully they’ll crack,” said Paine, who was run out for 72 in a “brain fade”.

Paine and Jason Krejza (65) shared a 129-run partnership this morning to help the Tigers to a respectable total.

© AAP 2012

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