Australian Test fast bowler Peter Siddle made an immediate impact upon his return to Victoria's ranks as the in-form Bushrangers completed a thumping eight-wicket win over Tasmania on Thursday.
Second-placed Victoria lost just two wickets in overhauling Tasmania's 7-210 with 15.4 overs remaining to earn a bonus point win at North Sydney Oval and put one hand on a finals berth.
Siddle bowled with trademark accuracy and length to earn figures of 1-19 off eight tidy overs in his first outing of the summer following ankle surgery.
While much focus was on Siddle, it was veteran Victorian batsman Cameron White who starred with a dominant innings of 117 not out.
White, who was dropped from the starting XI at this stage last season, followed up last week's career-best 145 with a confident 104-ball innings that included five sixes.
White shared a 122-run opening partnership with Marcus Harris (64) to lay the platform for a bonus-point win that lifts the Bushrangers well clear of third-placed Tasmania.
"We were very light on for fast bowlers so we have to go about it quite differently this season," said White.
"It is quite exciting and seems to be working for us at the moment, with the spinners doing a good job.
"We have a nice blend and things are rolling along very well for us."
Siddle clean bowled opener Tim Paine with his ninth delivery of the match, and his return will be a welcome sight for Australian selectors who are faced with shortage of bowling options heading into a busy summer.
"To have Peter Siddle come in and do a great job today was great," said White.
"It wasn't a super quick wicket but his pace out of the hand looked good to me, and as he usually does, he doesn't give the batsman much room.
"He put the ball where he wanted to and pace was good, so it was a great hit up first up and he should come on from that as well."
Tasmania won the toss and elected to bat, but found themselves immediately on the back foot after slipping to 4-39.
Only a brave innings of 87 not out from Alex Doolan gave Tasmania a moderate total.
The No.4 retired hurt on 32 with a back strain, but returned at 6-97 and showed little sign of injury in an 82-ball knock that included five sixes.
