Western Australia’s Sheffield Shield clash with Tasmania is delicately poised after the Warriors narrowly banked first-innings points at the WACA Ground on Thursday.
Explosive hitting from Sam Whiteman and Nathan Coulter-Nile steered WA past Tasmania’s 248 on day two before the Tigers went to stumps at 2-78 in their second dig to be 47 runs ahead overall.
The hosts had some nervous moments before tea, going from a commanding 3-127 before slumping to 7-208 not long after the dismissal of opener Marcus North (87).
They had to rely on paceman Coulter-Nile, who smashed 34 from 18 balls with four boundaries and two sixes, and Whiteman.
The young wicketkeeper got in on the act, making 55 with eight fours and two sixes including a massive hit off the bowling of Xavier Doherty to bring up his half-century.
The pair led WA to the two competition points and were eventually bowled out for 279 with an overall lead of 31 on the first innings.
Outright points are crucial for both teams, with third-placed WA (14 points) and particularly fifth-placed Tasmania (10 points) needing to make a move up the ladder.
Ben Hilfenhaus was the best with the ball for Tasmania picking up 6-82 from his 23.3 overs.
Tasmania will resume on Friday with Ed Cowan not out on 16 and George Bailey on eight.
Mark Cosgrove was on a mission to score quick runs and smashed eight boundaries in making 48 from 43 balls before paceman Michael Hogan had him caught at slip by captain Adam Voges.
Jonathan Wells was then trapped lbw by Hogan two balls later.
Hilfenhaus was happy with how the whole Tasmanian bowling attack worked hard to limit WA’s lead and hopes his batsmen can give him and the rest of the Tigers’ attack something to defend.
“For most of the day we bowled very well and it was disappointing we couldn’t quite get the two points but we have come here to get the six so it’s game on,” Hilfenhaus said.
“It’s definitely very important that Ed and George start the day well. We speak a lot about partnerships and I think this is a very big one for us. Hopefully they put on a big partnership and then build up our lead by batting most of the day.
“We would love to set them 500 but it’s all about getting partnerships going and trying to bat the day out so we can have a chance at bowling them out on the fourth day.”