Test hopefuls struggle, WA on top at tricky Bellerive

Fourteen wickets fell and Liam Haskett was the surprise spark for Western Australia as they finished day one on top in their Sheffield Shield clash against Tasmania in Hobart.

Ashes batting contender Jake Weatherald (18) missed a chance to push his case for a Test debut, before his Tigers unravelled when third-change WA quick Haskett was introduced.

The paceman took 3-26 in 10 overs, removing opener Nivethan Radhakrishnan (36) to start the rot.

The hosts crumbled from 3-87 to be all out for 171 at Bellerive Oval.

A bright, unbeaten 41 from Jake Doran that included three sixes salvaged things somewhat in an otherwise horror middle session for the Tigers.

The Warriors were 4-107 at stumps, having missed a chance to be in a more dominant position when the well-set Jayden Goodwin (30) and Hilton Cartwright (36) were late casualties.

Riley Meredith (2-20) found pace and bounce in his eight overs, while former Test quick Jackson Bird took the early scalp of Cameron Bancroft for just three.