In their Sheffield Shield encounter against Western Australia, Tasmania’s first innings has remained on course thanks to half-centuries from Mitchell Owen and Caleb Jewell.
At Bellerive Oval, Tasmania finished the first day at 302 for 7, having fallen to Western Australia by six wickets in a Shield final rematch just two weeks prior. No. 7 Owen’s run-a-ball of 83 helped the hosts overcome a shaky 153 for 4.
Despite missing many important players, the Shield champs went to Hobart at the top of the rankings.
Mitch Marsh (paternity leave), Charlie Stobo (omitted), Aaron Hardie and Josh Inglis training for next one-day internationals, opener Cameron Bancroft, Cooper Connolly, and emerging spinner Corey Rocchiccioli on Australia A duty were among the absences.
Beau Webster, a crucial middle-order batsman who led Tasmania in runs scored the previous season, was not included in the starting lineup, but Gabe Bell and Lawrence Neil-Smith’s return strengthened the bowling order.
Ashton Turner, the opposing captain, put the home team to bat, and they survived the first session without suffering any losses.
Before rookie medium-pacer Brody Couch caught Jake Weatherald down the leg side for 49, Tasmania had a century stand.
Tasmania lost 3 for 18 when Joel Paris, who is always dependable, took over halfway through the second session.
After surviving an earlier let-off, Jewell was caught lbw for 61. Charlie Wakim and skipper Jordan Silk were then sent back to the pavilion.
After hitting 13 boundaries and two sixes in a career-best performance, Owen collapsed in the last hour, but Paris ended the risky innings.
Brad Hope then had a 102-run partnership with Owen before being removed for 25 off Cameron Gannon.
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