PETER Siddle couldn’t have wished for a better opportunity on Wednesday night to show he deserves a spot in Australia’s Test side.

The Victorian quick was taking the new (pink) ball under lights at the MCG in a Sheffield Shield clash against last season’s bottom side Tasmania.

Siddle, who returned earlier this month in the one-day cup for the Bushrangers after an eight-month injury layoff due to back problems, could only manage one breakthrough.

However the 61-Test veteran bowled with pace and accuracy and did his selection chances no harm, grabbing 1-17 off 10 overs.

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Tasmania will resume on Thursday’s third day of play on 4-93 off 43 overs in reply to Victoria’s first innings of 415.

One-day international representative Chris Tremain removed openers Caleb Jewell and Ben Dunk LBW before Siddle struck, bowling Beau Webster who had offered no stroke.

media_camera Victorian paceman Peter Siddle celebrates taking the wicket of Tasmania’s Beau Webster during their Sheffield Shield match at the MCG on Wednesday night.

Tremain said whether selectors picked Siddle or Bird for the Perth Test was the “million-dollar question”.

“If they go with ‘Sidds’, I’m sure they’ll go with the bloke who has done the job for them time and and time again,” Tremain said.

“But you saw how well Jackson Bird bowls as well in this game. They could go either way.

“I’m going to back ‘Sidds’. I’m sure whoever they go with will do a great job.”

Siddle’s first spell of five overs had cost only two runs and after breaking through in his second spell the relief was evident in his facial expression.

Alex Doolan was trapped in front by Dan Christian at 4-65, before George Bailey and James Faulkner carried on without further loss.

The Bushrangers have made a bright start to their bid for a hat-trick of Shield titles although they appear set to lose Siddle after this match due to Test commitments.

Rain delays meant play was extended until 10.30pm, 90 minutes beyond the scheduled finishing time.

Seagulls on the field heavily outnumbered fans in the stands at the MCG and crowd noise was rare.

Victoria had resumed on 4-351.

Tasmania’s Jackson Bird claimed 3-75 off 30 overs in a solid performance in his “bowl-off” with Siddle for the third seamer’s role in next week’s Perth Test against South Africa.

Cameron White (64) was first to go, caught at gully off Bird’s bowling, and Wade (78) followed four runs later.

Play starts an hour early at 1pm on Thursday.