NSW XI will chase early wickets on Wednesday as the prospect of rain looms large over their tour match against the England Lions at North Dalton Park.
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An attacking Daniel Sams innings allowed the hosts to compile a total of 8-405 before a declaration midway through the second day.
Sams then struck immediately with the ball, the Big Bash League's leading wicket taker striking with just his second ball.
A Mickey Edwards wicket followed before the Lions started to rebuild, only for Sams to strike again, dismissing Dan Lawrence for 52.
England went on to lose a further two wickets late in the day, falling to 5-126 to trail by 279 runs at stumps and Sams said it was great to finish the day on top.
"It ended up being a pretty good day," Sams said. "We were able to move the game along this morning, then declare after lunch and we're pretty happy grabbing five wickets.
"We're on top now, but they have one, two good partnerships and it brings them back into the game.
"We've just got to try and come back tomorrow and do what we did today, hopefully the weather stays away."
Sams was aggressive throughout his time at the crease, the 27-year-old scoring 80 off 93 balls as he helped take the game away from the Lions.
The innings came after NSW XI lost Arjun Nair early on day two, with Sams and Nick Bertus combining for a 115-run sixth-wicket partnership.
Bertus and Sams eventually fell in quick succession, with captain Ryan Gibson declaring when Steve O'Keefe was dismissed for 14, Tyran Lyddiard was 24*.
With the batsmen laying a solid foundation, Sams said the bowlers must continue to strike before the predicted rain hits on Wednesday.
"Hopefully if the weather holds off, we'll be able to take 20 wickets for the fixture, which is what you need.
"We'll rock up tomorrow, see what's in front of us and try take the next five wickets."
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