Australia's pace bowlers were in venomous form as 20 wickets fell on the opening day of the Pura Cup cricket match between New South Wales and South Australia at the SCG here today.

Jason Gillespie almost singlehandedly dismissed NSW for 188 before Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and Nathan Bracken chipped in to see South Australia bowled out for 142.

At stumps, NSW was 0-16 in its second innings and overall lead of 62.

Play finished under lights and well after sunset thanks to the constant tumbling of wickets and the prolonged use of fast bowlers.

NSW unexpectedly picked up first innings points after being sent in by Darren Lehmann. The Blues had a first innings lead of 46.

The only difference between the two teams was the fact Gillespie took nearly all the wickets for SA while NSW shared the spoils among its quartet of pacemen.

Brett Lee (1-41) made a promising return to the first-class arena, snaring Greg Blewett (0) in his second over but the dismissal had more to do with a poor shot from the former Test opener than a brilliant ball from Lee. He continued to trouble the batsmen from time to time without really putting them under pressure.

McGrath (3-25) returned to close to his best and Bracken (2-42) made a welcome return from injury.

Earlier, Gillespie produced career-best figures of 8-50.

He dismissed the top five Blues batsmen, including the in-form Mark Waugh, who was made to look ordinary by an unplayable ball.

Michael Bevan made 55 while Bracken (38) and Stuart MacGill (27) enjoyed themselves in adding 61 for the ninth wicket.

© 2001 AAP