Rocchiccioli, Doran Share the Spoils on Rain-Hit Opening Day of Sheffield Shield

Tasmania’s Jake Doran stood strong with an unbeaten 59, while Western Australia's Corey Rocchiccioli led the bowling charge on a rain-shortened first day of the Sheffield Shield clash between Tasmania and Western Australia at the WACA. Tasmania ended the day on 158 for 5, as only 53 overs could be bowled before rain halted proceedings in a rematch of last season’s final.

The day saw moments of brilliance from both sides despite interruptions, with Aaron Hardie returning to action for Western Australia amid heightened interest following Cameron Green's injury, which has opened up a potential opportunity for him to step into Australia’s Test side.

Hardie’s Return Amid Australia Selection Debates

Hardie, the allrounder who missed Western Australia’s season opener due to a quad injury, grabbed attention during his first Sheffield Shield appearance of the season. With Green ruled out for the summer, Hardie has been in the spotlight as a potential like-for-like replacement for the Australia Test squad. After an impressive stint in Australia’s white-ball tour of the UK, his return was much anticipated.

There had been speculation about whether Hardie would play primarily as a batter given his recent injury, but he was brought into the attack in the ninth over, soon after Tasmania openers Jake Weatherald and Caleb Jewell had comfortably handled the new ball.

Hardie’s opening spell was lively, with sharp bounce and a short-of-a-length line that troubled Jewell, who survived a close appeal for caught behind on 11. Hardie bowled in short bursts of three overs each, but his impact faded slightly in his second spell, finishing with figures of 0 for 32 from six overs.

Western Australia opted to bowl first under overcast skies and on a green wicket, which is unusual for Perth, typically known for its searing heat during the cricket season. However, the weather played a major role in the day’s proceedings.

Rocchiccioli Dominates the Morning Session

While the spotlight was initially on the pace attack, it was offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli who stole the show before lunch. Recently called up for Australia A, Rocchiccioli bounced back after a tough match against Queensland, where the likes of Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja dominated him. On this day, however, Rocchiccioli showcased his spin skills, generating sharp turn and characteristic bounce.

Rocchiccioli first dismissed Jake Weatherald, getting Tasmania’s opener to misjudge his shot, then outwitted Tasmania’s captain Jordan Silk. Known for his ability to handle spin well, Silk fell to a clever, flighted delivery, misjudging his approach and hitting straight to midwicket. Rocchiccioli’s breakthroughs left Tasmania reeling in the morning session.

At the other end, quick Brody Couch made his presence felt with a fiery spell. He clocked speeds of up to 143kph and struck a crucial blow by removing Jewell, who edged a length ball to second slip. Couch had a mixed debut for Western Australia against Queensland but looked much sharper in this outing.

Tasmania Fight Back, Doran Holds Firm

After lunch, rain briefly interrupted play, causing a shift in momentum. When play resumed, the damp ball and very windy conditions made it difficult for Rocchiccioli and the rest of the Western Australian bowlers to maintain the pressure they had built earlier in the day.

Tasmania took advantage of the change in conditions, with Doran at the forefront of the resistance. His stroke play, particularly down the ground, was a highlight as he combined with Charlie Wakim to stitch together a crucial half-century partnership.

Wakim, who had supported Doran well, was eventually dismissed for 29 by Cameron Gannon, who had struggled with his lines early in the day. Gannon bowled too full with the new ball but redeemed himself with a good-length delivery that Wakim edged to second slip.

Doran’s innings was the standout for Tasmania. Batting at No. 5, he displayed remarkable patience and skill, anchoring the innings in the face of some testing bowling. His unbeaten 59 included several elegant strokes that kept Tasmania in the game despite the early wickets.

Lower-Order Struggles Continue

Tasmania’s lower-order struggles continued as allrounder Beau Webster, another player potentially in the mix for Test selection in Green’s absence, could only manage 3 before edging a ball from seamer Matt Kelly. Webster’s early dismissal added to Tasmania’s woes, though they were spared further damage when the rain returned and play was called off for the day.

Marsh, who had played as a specialist batter in Western Australia’s previous match, did not bowl, spending much of his time fielding at first slip. His fitness to bowl remains under scrutiny, but Western Australia will hope to have him in full form soon to bolster their allrounder options.

Looking Ahead

With Tasmania at 158 for 5 at stumps, the match remains evenly poised, with Doran standing as the key wicket for Western Australia to chase on day two. The truncated day means both sides will be eager to make the most of any playing time in the following sessions, as the WACA pitch could offer assistance to both pacers and spinners, depending on the conditions.

Rain may have dictated the flow of the first day, but the contest remains alive, with Tasmania looking to build on Doran’s resilience and Western Australia seeking early breakthroughs to regain control.