3 minute read

An early lunch was called at the WACA Ground on Thursday after an air-conditioner caught fire behind the players' pavilion.

Western Australia's batsmen overcame the distraction of a fire scare to lift their side to a competitive 337 on day one of their Sheffield Shield clash with Tasmania at the WACA Ground.

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 the fire, 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 the 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 and debutant Lawrence Neil-Smith also snared three wickets apiece.

Test hopeful Cameron Bancroft made a cautious 30 off 70 balls before Riley 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.

Mitch Marsh cracked six boundaries in his impressive 48-ball stay, and he'll be aiming to impress with the ball on Friday.

The Tigers will resume on 0-4 after Jordan Silk and Alex Doolan negotiated the final five overs of day one.