Tasmania 277 & 135 for 9 (Wakim 37, Webster 35, Couch 3-48, Gannon 2-22) lead Western Australia 332 (Inglis 101, Cartwright 65, Connolly 55) by 80 runs

With a lead of just 80 runs, Tasmania are facing an inevitable defeat in a disappointment after they had restricted WA’s lead. But their fightback was short-lived after Couch removed opener Jake Weatherald in his first over.

Much like during his impressive performance in Tasmania’s first innings, when he claimed 3 for 33 from 17 overs, Couch reached speeds of 142 kph and also picked up the wickets of Charlie Wakim and Brad Hope.

Allrounder Aaron Hardie enjoyed his first wicket of the Shield season when he removed Jake Doran with a superb delivery that angled across and caught the edge of the left-hander’s bat.

Having bowled just six overs in Tasmania’s first innings, Hardie is building up his bowling loads as he works his way back from a quad injury that ruled him out of the season opener against Queensland.

The start of the day’s play was delayed by 45 minutes due to light showers in what might be the last drops of rain seen in Perth for several months with oppressive heat imminent.

But he fell shortly after his ton when he nicked off to allrounder Beau Webster, who led Tasmania’s rally having in his previous over claimed Connolly for 55.

Cartwright was understandably scratchy and added 13 runs until he holed out off quick Riley Meredith. WA’s bid for a big lead evaporated, but it appears they are still headed for a comfortable victory after another vintage effort from their outstanding attack.