Silk to the rescue as Tasmania fights back against WA

But rescue missions from Silk (99no off 235 balls), Beau Webster (64) and Matthew Wade (51) lifted Tasmania to 6-281 by stumps on day one.

WA pace ace Lance Morris snared 2-45 from his 16 overs, while  spinner Corey Rocchiccioli returned 3-94, including the wicket of Brad Hope (11) in the last over of the day.

Silk was the hero, with his patient knock in 33-degree heat helping steady Tasmania following their early wobbles.

"To still be batting, I'm pleased with that," Silk said.

"At 3-49 there, you're umming and ahing about what you should have done at the toss.

"To Wadey and Beau, they've been terrific to start the year. 

"The proactiveness of how they played - they came out and looked to score straight away - it just allowed me to keep my pace throughout the innings.

"They were two important partnerships."

Wade's entertaining knock was brought undone when he top edged Rocchiccioli.

Webster's hopes of a century were ended when he edged a fuller delivery from Morris. 

It marked a steady return to red-ball cricket for Morris, who snared the wicket of Jewell caught behind with his first ball of the day.

Morris had his Ashes dreams crushed by a back injury, but has regained full fitness and will be aiming to snare a Test debut this summer.

WA coach Adam Voges was pleased with his bowlers' efforts on a pitch that looked batter-friendly.

"Pretty attritional day. Maybe a WACA wicket we haven't seen here over the last couple of years," Voges said.

"Certainly a lot flatter than perhaps what we've had, certainly day one.

"We might have to keep getting creative to take 20 wickets in this game."