Tasmania hold on for draw against Western Australia

Tasmania have survived a serious day-four scare to hold on for a draw in their Sheffield Shield clash with Western Australia at the WACA.

The match looked set for a draw when the hosts declared on 8-574 with a first-innings lead of 135 at lunch on Wednesday, but it suddenly sprung to life in the afternoon.

West Australian quick Liam Haskett bagged 2-0 from his first two overs, while spinner Corey Rocchiccioli also struck early to leave Tasmania 3-29.

The third of those wickets was not without drama with Jordan Silk caught in close off Haskett for a duck off a ball that appeared to hit his thigh.

Tasmania then looked to have the match saved when Matthew Wade and Caleb Jewell survived 22 overs for the fourth wicket before Lance Morris took Jewell's leg stump with a yorker on 27.

And when Wade was given out lbw to Rocchiccioli for 11 shortly after, the game was back on.

But from there Beau Webster (32no) and Bradley Hope (27no) lasted through 31.2 overs and erased Tasmania's deficit, earning a draw when the match was called 10 balls early.

"We were pretty happy to get out of it with a draw," Webster said.

"WA showed why they are the benchmark in the competition.

"It looked done and dusted, they take one or two wickets and the game is back on. We were really pleased we could get through."

The result ensures Tasmania top of the table, while Western Australia are third under South Australia in second.

Wednesday's collapse had gone against the bat-dominated game over the first three days on a lifeless Perth wicket.

Silk had hit 181 in Tasmania's first innings as they reached 439, with Rocchiccoli also taking 4-144 with the ball.

Sam Whiteman amassed 188 in reply for Western Australia and Cameron Bancroft and Ashton Turner hit 91 and 82no respectively in their 8(dec)-574.

"It was a bit of a different wicket to what we are used to," Whiteman said. 

"Besides the Sheffield Shield final a few years ago, I can't remember playing in a draw in the last two or three years. 

"We fought really hard and to nearly get a result coming into the last session was pretty impressive."

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