ADELAIDE, Oct 25 AAP - New South Wales batsmen Matthew Phelps, Corey Richards and Michael Bevan all fell cheaply to leave their side at 3-85 at lunch on the opening day of its Pura Cup match against South Australia at Adelaide Oval.

Hard-hitting youngster Michael Clarke was unbeaten on 18 and Simon Katich was on 13.

After being sent into bat, Phelps was the first batsman out, caught behind pushing forward to a Paul Rofe delivery for 22, after an opening stand of 33 with Richards.

Richards, who had looked shaky in his innings, was then caught at gully for 16, attempting to drive Michael Miller, who picked up the wicket in his second over.

Then Bevan was dismissed for 15, caught behind off a short, sharp delivery from left arm paceman Mark Harrity.

Bevan initially set himself for a backfoot defensive stroke, but attempted to pull his bat away at the last moment, getting a fine edge to SA wicketkeeper Shane Deitz.

© 2002 AAP

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.