Sheffield Shield 2024/25, WA vs TAS 6th Match Report, October 20 – 23, 2024

Tasmania 158 in 5 (Doran 59*) vs Western Australia

After Cameron Green was released in the summer, there was a big spotlight on Hardie who represented a like-for-like replacement. He impressed on Australia’s recent white-ball tour of the UK, but missed WA’s opener against Queensland with a quad injury.

There was speculation that Hardie would play as a specialist batsman, but he came into the attack in the ninth over after openers Jake Weatherald and Caleb Jewell saw the new ball comfortably.

Hardie quickly produced a sharp jump and threw a short line to cause problems for Jewell, who survived 11 due to being caught behind.

Hardie bowled two three overs but struggled to find the same bite in his spell in the second session. He finished with 0 for 32 in six overs.

All-rounder Mitchell Marsh is available to bowl, having played as a batsman against Queensland, but he has not come into the attack and has spent most of his time playing at open.

Perth is often known for its depressing conditions during the cricket season, but amid overcast skies and rain in the air, WA captain Sam Whiteman did not hesitate to bowl first on a green wicket.

After being put together well by Queensland, with Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja opposing him in good batting conditions, Rocchiccioli turned in a sharp and trademark turn to put WA on top.

He skipped the silks, usually very good against spin, with a looping delivery that made him dance down the track but hit straight to midwicket.

Quick Brody Couch, who was making his WA mixed debut against Queensland, had blazing speed and clocked up to 143kph. He was rewarded with a breakthrough from Jewell, who lined up a good length delivery at second slip.

WA had been in the thick of things but the rain came down just after lunch and caused a brief disruption. The change in weather seemed to change the nature of the game on the restart with Rocchiccioli unable to have the same impact in the windy conditions and the wet ball becoming less powerful.

Doran capitalized and hit several straight shots as he teamed with Charlie Wakim for a century. WA were left reeling and looked to be taking the lead until the fast Cameron Gannon, who bowled the new ball very full, made Wakim slip back for the second time.

Like Hardie, all-rounder Beau Webster could be in the reckoning to replace Green but he made 3 after a challenge from seamer Matt Kelly as the game ended prematurely at a rare venue at the WACA.