Tigers in hunt for big lead

SHAUN Marsh’s defiant 80 as he fights to save his Test career has been the story from two tight days of Sheffield Shield action between Western Australia and Tasmania at the WACA Ground.

All eyes were on Marsh as he strode to the wicket late on Thursday’s opening day in Perth as he tried to make amends for a poor Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates with an eye on holding his place for the home series with India.

He advanced from 10 not out overnight to be dismissed for 80, caught at cover from a mistimed drive during yesterday’s middle session. His knock helped WA to a 17-run first-innings lead, making 243 in reply to Tasmania’s 226.

Hilton Cartwright added 35 before being the first wicket to fall on day two, while an unbeaten 26 from Matt Kelly allowed the Warriors to overtake Tasmania’s score.

Gabe Bell took 3-45 for Tasmania, Simon Milenko 2-28 and Sam Rainbird 2-51.

Tasmania made a shaky start to its second innings, los- ing Alex Doolan for six and Beau Webster for 12 to be 2-31.

But Jordan Silk (46) and Jake Doran (13) survived to stumps with Tasmania at 2-82 with an overall lead of 65 runs and eight wickets in hand.

The day was about Marsh, though. The 34-Test veteran needed to impress and he did in his 140-ball knock that included 17 boundaries.

He gave one chance on 71, but his front-foot driving and strokes off the back foot showed he was finding good form. The 35-year-old was glad to spend some time in the middle and regain some touch and confidence.

“It was just nice to get out there and spend some time in the middle, which I haven’t done over the last few weeks,” Marsh said. “It was nice to play with a bit of freedom and I felt good. I’m just enjoying playing for WA again.”