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Eyeing off a spot in the Sheffield Shield final, Western Australia made a strong start against Tasmania before losing key bowler Joel Paris to injury.

Western Australia made early inroads in pursuit of a Sheffield Shield final spot but an injury to key bowler Joel Paris may hamper their prospects of the win they need against Tasmania.

Needing an outright victory to qualify for the final - and potentially even host it - WA had Tasmania 3-182 at the end of a weather-shortened day one at the WACA.

The visitors had slipped to 3-59 during the opening session but Matthew Wade (82 not out) combined with Jake Doran (50 no) in an unbroken 123-run stand to keep the Tigers in the hunt.

Fresh from a maiden Shield century to go with his five-wicket haul last-up against Victoria, Paris (2-18) again starred early with the ball.

But the paceman left the field with a left groin injury and did not bowl again after his early heroics.

The left-arm quick has sustained a series of back and quad injuries that have hindered his career after playing two one-day internationals for Australia back in 2016.

There are doubts about him taking any further part in the match.

Paris had Jordan Silk caught behind for 11 and rounded out the opening session with the wicket of Caleb Jewell, caught by Shaun Marsh at second slip for 12.

With Cameron Gannon (1-26) snaring the wicket of Tim Ward (15), also at the hands of Marsh, it was advantage WA after they had won the toss and put the visitors in to bat.

But Wade showed equal parts defensive nous and attacking flair, cracking 11 fours and a six in his 179-ball unbeaten knock.

Doran was more watchful still but offered good support with his half century.

Rain and then bad light brought a premature end to proceedings, hardly helping the home side as they target a win to get them into the competition decider.