Rainbird has NSW struggling in shield

Following some overnight rain and amid lingering humidity, Rainbird made the most of the conditions to return 3-26 from a five-over spell.

Rainbird started by having opener Matthew Gilkes caught for 20 in the 12th over of the day.

The left-armer then removed heavy-scoring Blues' captain Kurtis Patterson caught behind for a second ball duck.

And Jason Sangha fell to Rainbird for five in his next over as the home side slipped to 3-41.

Jack Edwards led a brief counter-attack with 24 off 30 balls before he was bowled by spinner Tom Andrews.

Rookie opener Ryan Hackney batted through the session to remain unbeaten on 27 while  returning wicketkeeper Peter Nevill was also unbeaten on one.

Tasmania have lined up with new faces Eamonn Vines and Nivethan Radhakrishnan, the latter making his first class debut.