Langer shines with farewell century

Tasmania 1 for 29 trail Western Australia 372 (Langer 131, Marsh 63, Ronchi 61*, Pomersbach 58, Macdonald 3-44, Butterworth 3-48) by 343 runs
Scorecard

Justin Langer gave Western Australia a farewell century while the next generation of Warriors' batting stars showed their talent, piling on the runs on the first day in Perth. Western Australia rocketed to 372 from 81 overs before Tasmania faced a nervous nine-over period late in the day, reaching 1 for 29 with Michael Di Venuto on 17 and Travis Birt on 8.

The day belonged to Langer, who emulated his former Australian team-mate Darren Lehmann by striking triple-figures in his final Pura Cup match. Langer's 131 came from 162 balls and featured two sixes and 19 fours, and he brought up the milestone during a devastating over that cost Jason Krejza 17 runs.

Langer had survived an enormous lbw shout from the first ball of the day and the bowler, Ben Hilfenhaus, had to wait 215 minutes to finally trap Langer in front. Shaun Marsh continued his excellent season with 63, Luke Pomersbach made 58 and Luke Ronchi belted a late 61 not out from 64 balls, including three consecutive sixes off Krejza.

Tim Macdonald and Luke Butterworth each chipped in with three wickets for the Tigers, who will be hoping for a Langer-style farewell from the retiring Di Venuto on the second day. Although the match is the only one in the final round to have no bearing on the Pura Cup decider, it was the most entertaining game for spectators with more runs scored on the opening day at the WACA than in the MCG and SCG clashes combined.