Matthew Wade and Ben McDermott steer Tasmania close to the lead

Captain Matthew Wade and Ben McDermott produced a classy century stand to help Tasmania close in a first innings lead against Western Australia.

Wade made 83 in his first match of the season after being rested from the opening two Shield rounds to spend time with his family following Australia's tour of England, and with the heavy forthcoming international schedule in mind.

McDermott finished the day 83 not out to continue his excellent early season form. It was his third half-century in four innings this season and he will be hoping to reach his second first-class century on the third day.

Tasmania battled through the first hour without loss until Cameron Green's first spell of bowling in a match in 12 months made a mark. Charlie Wakim edged Green's first ball through a vacant third slip then the extra pace and bounce of Green removed Jordan Silk, who was left inspecting the blow on his right thumb as he trudged off after ballooning a simple catch to gully.

Green bowled just eight overs for the day in two spells of three and five overs, as was forecast pre-game, but was impressive nonetheless taking 1 for 15.

Wakim also fell to a short ball from Aaron Hardie five overs later leaving Tasmania vulnerable. But Wade walked out at No. 3 and looked every bit the Test incumbent that he is. His footwork was sharp and his intent to rotate the strike was a feature.

After combining with McDermott for a 135-run stand Wade had a brain-fade charging Ashton Agar only to miss a wild swipe and be stumped by a wide margin.

Hardie and Lance Morris delivered late blows for WA removing Jake Doran and Tim Paine but McDermott was resolute, guiding Tasmania to stumps just 30 runs shy of the first innings lead.