Jhye Richardson has torn through the Tasmania middle order to strengthen his bid to make a Test comeback at the Gabba next month.

Bowling with considerable pace and gaining sharp swing in helpful conditions at Blundstone Arena on Tuesday, Richardson claimed 4-0 in 28 deliveries at the peak of a stunning burst that will maintain pressure on Mitchell Starc’s Ashes place.

Richardson’s eventual haul of 4-53 helped reduce Tasmania to 315 before the WA top order extended the lead to 260 at stumps.

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Test No.6 Cam Green warmed up for the Ashes campaign with a bright 52 not out as WA reached 4-170.

Richardson, who played two Tests three years ago, is the leading Sheffield Shield wicket-taker this season with 20 at 12.65.

He returned to first-class action last month for the first time since undergoing a shoulder reconstruction in 2019.

But the timing of captain Sam Whiteman’s expected declaration on a forecast rainy Wednesday may be affected by a side injury to paceman Lance Morris that could keep him out of action for Perth Scorchers at the start of the Big Bash League.

Morris only bowled five overs in Tasmania’s first innings before breaking down with a side strain that Whiteman said would prevent him bowling again in the match.

Morris was due to be scanned on Tuesday with a medium grade intercostal muscle tear likely to prevent him bowling for at least four weeks.

Ashes duties may also force Richardson to miss much of the BBL season with Scorchers quick Andrew Tye predicting his Perth team-mate would return to the Test team at the Gabba.

“I reckon his name is probably already on the team sheet,” Tye said.

Richardson claimed two wickets late on Monday before using the second new ball with great effect against a Tasmanian top order that was unable to combat his pace and late movement.

Ben McDermott edged a perfectly pitched outswinger from Richardson’s first delivery of the day while Green claimed a sharp slips catch at ankle-height to dismiss Jake Doran in the next over.

The WA bowlers claimed seven wickets in the opening session to take charge of the match though Tasmania’s acting captain Jordan Silk and last man Gabe Bell resisted stoutly to put on a half-century stand that avoided the follow-on and reduced the time available for WA to build a substantial lead.

Light rain is forecast in Hobart from 11am local time on Wednesday.