Sheffield Shield: All-rounder Aaron Hardie makes successful comeback as rain halts play between WA, Tasmania

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Sheffield Shield: All-rounder Aaron Hardie makes successful comeback as rain halts play between WA, Tasmania

Sheffield Shield: All-rounder Aaron Hardie makes successful comeback as rain halts play between WA, Tasmania

Aaron Hardie made a successful return to red-ball cricket, but it was ultimately the rain that won out on the opening day of WA’s Sheffield Shield final rematch against Tasmania at the WACA.

Making his comeback from a quad strain that forced him to sit out of the reigning champion’s shield opener against Queensland, the all-rounder made a surprise appearance at the bowling crease.

He got through six overs with a return of 0-32 as rain forced an early close of play with the visitors 5-158.

Off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli, who was selected for Australia A last week, was the pick of the bowlers for WA, making the most of being handed the ball in the 12th over to grab two first-session scalps with near-unplayable spin and bounce.

Victorian recruit Brody Couch also impressed, doing his best Dennis Lillee impression in a fiery five-over spell that was too hot for Caleb Jewell to handle.

Hardie, who was expected to take part in the match as a specialist batter before talks and fitness assessments between Cricket Australia and WA Cricket during the week, looked rusty in his first spell since a September 29 ODI against England in Bristol, punished when he strayed wide.

However, he looked better for the run by his second spell as he fights to earn a potential Test debut and fill the spot vacated by state teammate Cam Green due to a back injury in Australia’s five-match Border-Gavaskar series with India later this year.

Tasmania’s openers cruised to 0-47 after being put into bat, making the most of Matt Kelly and Cameron Gannon erring onto leg stump.

But the early introduction of Rocchiccioli on the green-tinged surface and a searing five-over spell from Couch swung the first session to the home team.

Couch snared Jewell caught at slip for 18 with his fourth ball before the spitting bounce accounted for Jake Weatherald caught behind for 43, 15 minutes before the Lunch break.

But the offie wasn’t content with just one before the break, claiming Jordan Silk with a slick catch courtesy of Hilton Cartwright.

Slating rain halted play briefly after Lunch as Jake Doran gave the visitors the ascendency with positive stroke play on his way to a half century.

But WA were rewarded for discipline, Charlie Wakim flashing a drive to a length ball to knick off before Kelly captured the big wicket of Beau Webster 17 minutes before tea, similarly trying to drive a boundary.

Camera IconGround staff struggle to deploy the covers over the wicket area. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Tea was called as the rain returned, and just a matter of balls after the break, the rain came again with increased ferocity, sending ground staff flying as they valiantly fought to get the pitch covered.

Despite the covers being removed several times, play did not resume and was eventually called off.

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