Starc takes four but Weatherald out cheaply in Shield

Mitchell Starc prepared for the Ashes by taking four wickets for New South Wales but opener Jake Weatherald was out cheaply as he tries to secure a place Australia's XI.

Weatherald, 30, was given his first Australia call-up last week but was out for 23 on day one of Tasmania's Sheffield Shield match against South Australia.

The left-hander and Usman Khawaja are the only openers in Australia's squad for the first Test against England in Perth but Australia could yet promote Marnus Labuschagne from his preferred position of number three.

Other than Khawaja, all of Australia's Test squad are playing in the Sheffield Shield this week to prepare for the first Test, which begins on 21 November.

Starc, bowling with the red ball for the first time since July, took 4-91 against Victoria at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

He was joined in the NSW attack by Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who claimed 2-65, and fellow quick Josh Hazlewood, who took 0-54 in 18 overs.

Steve Smith is captaining the home side while seamer Scott Boland is in the Victoria XI.

All-rounder Beau Webster was out for 13 when alongside Weatherald for Tasmania but he did later dismiss Australia team-mate Travis Head for nine.

Brendan Doggett, one of Australia's supporting quicks to Starc, Hazlewood, Boland and injured captain Pat Cummins, took 5-66 for South Australia.

All-rounder Cameron Green is expected to bowl for Western Australia in their match against Queensland starting on Tuesday as he tries to prove his fitness.