Tasmania's Doolan dominates WA in Shield

A first career double century from Alex Doolan has Tasmania in control of the Sheffield Shield match with Western Australia at the WACA.

Tasmanian batsman Alex Doolan

An unbeaten Alex Doolan century has put Tasmania into a strong position in the Sheffield Shield. (AAP)

A first career double century by Alex Doolan has Tasmania in a commanding position after two days of their Sheffield Shield clash with Western Australia at the WACA Ground.

Doolan couldn't have picked a better time to regain the form that resulted in him playing four Tests, all in 2014.

The last was in Dubai against Pakistan in October 2014, and Doolan delivered a commanding performance against WA on Friday, remaining 202 not out.

Simon Milenko is with him on five.

Doolan's knock was the backbone of Tasmania ending the day 7-388 to be 126 ahead of the Warriors.

Doolan's chances of a shock Test recall are helped by incumbent No.5 Adam Voges suffering a concussion on the opening day.

The WA captain is unlikely to take further part in the game or be available next week against South Africa in Adelaide.

It's Doolan's eighth first-class century and first double ton.

He's displayed some elegant shot play to hit 33 boundaries and two sixes while facing 311 deliveries, particularly on the drive.

He brought up his century with a hook shot for four off Nathan Rimmington and 150 with a huge six off the left-arm wrist spin of D'Arcy Short.

The 30-year-old has been in good form this summer, hitting 67, 87 (no), 93 and 79 in consecutive one-day cup matches.

Tasmania started the day 2-60 with Jackson Bird the first wicket as nightwatchman for 22.

He then had a brief chat with new chairman of selectors of Trevor Hohns.

Doolan received solid support from George Bailey (24), Beau Webster (27), James Faulkner (13) and Jake Doran (41).

Jason Behrendorff has 3-73 for WA and Simon Mackin 2-91.

Doolan was struck in the jaw by a Behrendorff bouncer in the second-last over.

Captain George Bailey expects him to be fine and was delighted to see him play so well.

"It was a beautiful innings and he set himself the goal of batting the day. To score 200 is obviously fantastic but ticking that goal off sent a real message throughout our team," Bailey said.

"He's always felt if he could string together good performances that he's young enough to make a substantial contribution to that Test team.

"At his best he's one of the best batsmen in the country and it's fantastic for him to bring his form from a really strong Matador Cup into the Shield season."


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Source: AAP



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