After a weather-delayed toss at the Basin Reserve, Firebirds captain Michael Bracewell had no hesitation in asking the Volts to bat, the southerners bracing for a seam-heavy attack and barrage of short deliveries in what's becoming a traditional early season wicketfest.

By stumps, the Firebirds were already taking their turn at bat and in sight of their first 100 runs going up on the fanous scoreboard, having bundled out the Volts for 199 - just a single shy of registering what would have been the Volts' first batting bonus point.

Fourth change Logan van Beek netted the best figures of the day with 4-43 after Hamish Bennett, Ollie Newton and young quick Ben Sears put the early heat on.

Four down by lunch, the Volts were all out by tea with Mitch Renwick (42) looking promising  for an hour and a half and reaching the top score of 42 before being undone by a sharp Rachin Ravindra grab, off a rising van Beek delivery.

Four Volts were making their debut for the side, but none likely enjoyed the occasion with Dale Phillips (first-class debut) making an early exit, Dean Foxcroft bounced out on 18, Nick Kelly gutsing it out for 102 minutes for his 37 and Travis Muller providing a late burl of 16 before being yorked by a spinner one short of a precious point.

Volts captain Jacob Duffy struck back before stumps with the wicket of opener Fraser Colson, but at 94/1, and with Rachin Ravindra unbeaten on 45, the Firebirds will head into day two in a useful position.

Article added: Monday 21 October 2019