Doran defiant as rain halts Shield final rematch

October 20

A rain-hit opening day of the Sheffield Shield final rematch delivered few bright moments as Tasmania fought their way to 5-158 against Western Australia in Perth.

Leaden skies and several rain interruptions eventually gave way to an early finish, with Jake Doran posting an unbeaten half-century to hold the visitors’ innings together.

Tasmania were sent in to bat on an extremely green WACA wicket but were resolute against the new ball, losing only Caleb Jewell (18) during the first hour.

It was offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli who did the damage with the wickets of Jake Weatherald (43) and captain Jordan Silk (1) just before lunch.

Rocchiccioli, last season’s leading wicket-taker for Western Australia, immediately caused problems with some sharp turn and trademark bounce, ending the day with 2-41 from 16 overs.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Doran remained defiant with a boundary-heavy knock of 59 not out from 78 balls.

Charlie Wakim (30) and the heavy-scoring Beau Webster (3) fell in quick succession to the bowling of Cameron Gannon (1-21) and Matthew Kelly (1-38) respectively during the middle session.

Contrary to expectations, Test allrounder Mitch Marsh was not given the ball during the day’s 53 overs, with the home side using five bowlers, including the returning Aaron Hardie.

Allrounder Hardie came in for Jayden Goodwin to be the only change from the side that drew with Queensland at the WACA a fortnight ago.

Tasmania lined up with two changes to their bowling attack, with Mitchell Owen and Riley Meredith coming in for Lawrence Neil-Smith and Gabe Bell following their low-key opening-round draw against Victoria.

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