Wakim century puts Tasmania on top as Vics grind

An unbeaten century by Charlie Wakim has put Marsh Sheffield Shield leaders Tasmania on top after day one of the clash with Victoria at Junction Oval.

Wakim finished the day on 148no and had guided the Tigers to 4-282 at stumps after the hosts had won the toss and elected to bowl.

The 32-year-old shared a 147-run stand for the second wicket with opener Tim Ward (67) that set the tone.

It is a record second-wicket partnership for Tasmania against Victoria in Shield cricket.

Wakim brought up his century with a back cut to the boundary off spinner Todd Murphy.  It was his third first-class ton and second this season.

The late bloomer made a century on debut for the Tigers in 2019, a brilliant 160 against South Australia, and this season he has looked at home at the top of the order.

He made 110 earlier in this season against SA and has been a key reason why the Tigers have started the Shield season strongly.

Veteran Victoria paceman Peter Siddle had Caleb Jewell (six) edging a seaming delivery early.

The hosts had a window of opportunity in the first session during Murphy's opening over.

Ward edged Murphy's first delivery low to the boot of Peter Handscomb at slip.

The next ball, Wakim offered a sharp chance to Travis Dean at short leg but it was dropped.

The bowlers then toiled without joy until Ward drove to Dean at short cover off spinner Matt Short.

Tasmania allrounder Beau Webster (28no) was with Wakim at stumps on a day when 38-year-old Siddle (2-46) asked the most questions for Victoria with his probing seamers.

Sheffield Shield 2023-24 standings

Team	Matches played M	Wins W	Losses L	Drawn D	No results N/R	Deductions Ded.	Batting Bonus Bat	Bowling Bonus Bowl	Total points PTS
1 Western Australia Men WA	10	5	2	3	0	0	5.53	9.4	47.93
2 Tasmanian Tigers Men TAS	10	5	2	3	0	0	6.06	8.3	47.36
3 NSW Men NSW	10	4	3	3	0	0	6.31	9	42.31
4 Victoria Men VIC	10	4	4	2	0	0	4.74	8.2	38.94
5 South Australia Men SA	10	3	6	1	0	0	5.19	9.3	33.49
6 Queensland Bulls QLD	10	2	6	2	0	0	3.54	8.3	25.84

Legend

M: Matches played

W: Wins

L: Losses

D: Drawn

N/R: No results

Ded.: Deductions

Bat: Batting Bonus

Bowl: Bowling Bonus

PTS: Total points