Tasmania, SA share honours on run-filled day

Jordan Silk and Ed Cowan struck their second successive fifties in the game to give Tasmania a 35-run lead after left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty's five-for restricted South Australia to 397.

South Australia began the day at a solid 191 for 4 and consolidated with half-centuries from captain Johan Botha and wicketkeeper Tim Ludeman. Botha and Ludeman added 60 runs for the seventh wicket after the former's 54-run stand with Callum Ferguson was broken by Luke Butterworth.

After Botha fell for 65, the middle and lower order added useful partnerships that pushed South Australia into the lead. Kane Richardson, batting at No. 9, added 62 runs with Ludeman with a quick 29-ball 49, but became Doherty's third victim as the left-arm spinner cleaned up the South Australia tail to finish with figures of 5 for 96.

Tasmania's second innings had a poor start, as they lost opener Mark Cosgrove in the third over. That was the only success South Australia would enjoy for the day, however, as Silk and Cowan added an unbeaten 139 for the second wicket. Silk finished the day at 70 off 148 with eight fours and a six, while Cowan was 66 not out off 110 balls with ten fours.