Peter Siddle has warmed up for next week's two-Test tour of New Zealand with an inspired opening spell for Victoria to help rout Tasmania for just 241 on a rain-affected opening day of their Sheffield Shield match at the MCG.
After the opening session was washed out by morning showers, Siddle made an immediate impact by firing out openers Jordan Silk and Ben Dunk in his first two overs.
The seven-over spell produced figures of 2-12.
Victoria negotiated two overs late on Wednesday to be 0-10 at stumps.
Siddle, in his first first-class outing since the Boxing Day Test, immediately had the Tasmanians on the back foot and their innings never recovered.
Only a maiden century from Beau Webster held them together, the 22-year-old skilfully compiling 107.
Queensland-raised Ben McDermott on his Tasmanian debut was the only other major contributor and the pair shared a fifth-wicket stand of 103.
"It was good to get back into it and the pleasing thing was getting through that first spell," said Siddle after his first day of red ball cricket for six weeks.
"A couple of early wickets always helps the confidence and I felt good today which was pleasing.
"The first half of the day probably showed signs of what is going to happen over there (in New Zealand), so that was a nice little warm up for those conditions."
James Pattinson (2-54), also in the squad to tour New Zealand, was expensive in his first spell before collecting the final two wickets in three balls.
There was a slice of history for Sam Harper who became the youngest Victorian wicketkeeper in history and the 19-year-old celebrated by taking three catches.
Jake Doran was Harper's first dismissal off the bowling of Chris Tremain (3-48) as the Tigers slipped to 3-25.
Victoria boast a narrow lead at the top of the standings as the competition enters the second part of the season, with the Bushrangers seeking to repeat last years Shield win.
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