A century from opener Ed Cowan helped steer Tasmania to 6-307 at stumps on day one of their Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia.
Cowan (147) found the Bellerive boundary 21 times on Tuesday during a controlled batting performance that included a 145-run partnership with captain George Bailey (69). It was a solid start for the Tigers, who have been let down recently by their top order.
Century: Tasmanian bastman Ed Cowan.Credit: Getty Images
SA appeared confident in an emotional return to cricket after the death of teammate Phillip Hughes. Before play, both teams assembled for a minute's silence to pay tribute to their fallen colleague. A painted 408 – Hughes' Test number – on the field served as a reminder throughout play.
Bailey won the toss and chose to bat. The visitors found early luck when Jordan Silk (seven) was caught behind in the 10th over. His replacement, former Test batsman Alex Doolan (five), was dismissed leg before six overs later from the bowling of Trent Lawford (2-76).
Just before tea, another delivery from the SA paceman was nicked by Bailey. And just three runs short of his 150, Cowan mistimed a Joe Mennie (3-53) delivery that speared high to be caught at cover. James Faulkner was gone two overs later, bowled by Mennie.
Ben Dunk (three not out) and Ben Hilfenhaus (10 no) will resume for the Tigers on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Victorian Rob Quiney fell eight-runs short of a 10th first-class century in the Shield clash with Western Australia at the WACA Ground. Quiney was caught of the bowling of Ashton Agar for 92 as the Vics finished the opening day on 6-315 after WA won the toss and elected to bowl.
Quiney's knock wasn't without a couple of doses of good fortune. He was given a life on 14 when Cameron Bancroft dropped a sharp chance at third slip. And the two-Test batsman had another reprieve on 44 when his edge off Nathan Rimmington flew between wicketkeeper Sam Whiteman and first slip Adam Voges.
The 32-year-old then managed to escape the mid-session carnage caused by Warriors paceman Michael Hogan, who snared three quick wickets to send Victoria tumbling from 0-118 to 3-128.
Aaron Finch cracked a 46-ball half-century to help steady the ship, while Quiney also kept the runs ticking over to put Victoria in a solid position.
Marcus Stoinis (58) was the first to fall when Michael Klinger held a superb catch at gully and, four balls later, Hogan (3-38) bowled Dan Christian for a duck.
Cameron White became Hogan's third victim he was trapped leg before wicket, while paceman Rimmington finally got reward for his hard work when Finch was caught at deep fine leg.
Victoria were dealt a big blow on Monday when in-form batsman Peter Handscomb injured his finger at training and was ruled out of the match.
But his late withdrawal paved the way for Stoinis to return to the side after overcoming an ankle injury. David Hussey, who has averaged 58.25 in the Shield this summer, was unlucky to miss out on a spot in the final XI.
AAP