Tassie stumble v SA after great start

An inspired performance with the ball from South Australia captain Travis Head has helped the Redbacks rip through Tasmania’s middle order on the opening day of the Sheffield Shield clash at Gliderol Stadium.

Head, 21, was instrumental in dismantling the visitors’ line up, taking 3-49 from his 15 overs as the visitors collapsed from 1-211 to 6-258 in the final session.

He captured the all-important wicket of Dominic Michael (97), as well as Beau Webster for a duck and Ben Dunk (9) as the Tigers at one stage lost 5-42.

“I think I just got a bit lucky, the bowlers put them under real good pressure today,” Head said.

“In the end it was lucky just to get a couple (wickets).

“I have been working pretty hard on it (bowling).

“It was a fantastic day; we kept them to a low total and with wickets so hopefully tomorrow we can get into (their) bowlers.”

Tasmania won the toss and elected to bat with openers Michael and Ed Cowan putting on an 86-run partnership before Cowan was removed for 52.

Michael and Jordan Silk then added 125 runs before Silk (63) joined Cowan in the sheds.

He was soon followed by Michael, Webster, Dunk and Tasmania wicketkeeper Tim Paine as the Tigers’ great start crumbled in front of them.

Michael was the standout, hitting 10 boundaries and two sixes in his innings.

Tigers’ captain Alex Doolan is not out on 21, with Evan Gulbis (1) to join him at the crease on day two.

Head said persistent pressure from the Redbacks told.

“It’s a class batting order that’s why today was really good,” Head said.

“They have been out of form and coming into Adelaide on a traditionally good batting wicket it’s good not to get them in form and keep them under pressure.

“That’s what we did consistently today was put them under pressure and squeeze every run out of them.”

Daniel Worrall, Mark Cosgrove and Kane Richardson all took a wicket each while Joe Mennie finished the day with 0-45 and nine maidens from 22 overs.

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