TASSIE BOWLERS’ WACA TOIL

TASMANIAN debutant Lawrence Neil-Smith shone with the ball on the opening day of the Tigers’ Sheffield Shield clash against Western Australia at the WACA Ground yesterday.

The sides ended the day with honours even, as WA’s batsmen overcame the distraction of a fire scare to lift their side to a competitive 337.

Youngster Neil-Smith powered through 17 overs to return figures of 3-81 against the Warriors’ imposing batting line-up

The Warriors were in early trouble at 2-19, and then play was halted with the score at 3-95 when smoke was sighted coming out from the back of the players’ pavilion. Two fire trucks rushed to the venue to investigate, with an early lunch called to ensure for player safety. It was discovered that a fault in an air-conditioner had caused the fire, and it was soon brought under control.

WA captain Mitch Marsh was on 41 when early lunch was called, and he was unable to add to his tally when play resumed.

But strong contributions from Marcus Stoinis (61), Josh Philippe (48) and Josh Inglis (42) ensured WA ended the day with a competitive total.

Jackson Bird was the pick of the bowlers with 3-51 from 21 overs, while Riley Meredith, pictured, and Neil-Smith also snared three wickets apiece.

Test hopeful Cameron Bancroft made a cautious 30 off 70 balls before Meredith took a sharp catch at gully to remove the WA opener.

Warriors veteran Shaun Marsh made just nine, while Sam Whiteman fell for a duck.