Warriors left in Mennie pieces

South Australian swing merchant Chadd Sayers says he's mentally stronger after overcoming an ankle injury which curtailed his career.

After almost a year on the sidelines, Sayers made a triumphant return to Sheffield Shield ranks on Friday and was instrumental in the Redbacks taking opening-day honours against Western Australia.

Sayers took the initial three wickets as WA were bowled out for 211, with the Redbacks 0-18 at stumps at Adelaide Oval.

His pace partner Joe Mennie claimed four wickets as WA's top order faltered against Sayers' early blitz.

WATCH: Joe on the Mennie for SA

Sayers hadn't played a Shield game since last December when a troublesome ankle injury ultimately ended his summer.

"I had surgery in early February which we thought would do the job but I came back to pre-season (training) and tried to bowl again and had the same feeling in my ankle," he said.

So Sayers was sent away, four months ago, to again have the same operation on a bone impingement in his left ankle.

"They just took some more bone out the second time," he said.

"It always is hard when you're doing rehab by yourself and the boys are doing other stuff.

"But you go through something like that and you come out the other end stronger. I think I'm better for it now and am just glad to be back."

WATCH: Sayers snares Bancroft with beauty

Sayers' renowned swing decimated WA's top order - he dismissed Test hopefuls Cameron Bancroft (25) and Shaun Marsh (two) and also Marcus Harris (24).

The unsung Mennie (4-50) then had Michael Klinger (four) caught at slip before outing Tom Beaton (14) to leave the Warriors wobbling at 5-80.

Will Bosisto (35) and top-scorer Sam Whiteman (45) put on 65 runs for the sixth wicket, the highest partnership of the innings, but the Warriors were unable to gain any serious traction before NSW-born Mennie cleaned up the tail.

"He has been here for four years now and always gives his best and bashes the wicket," Sayers said of Mennie.

"He is unheralded and doesn't get the accolades that probably he should."

South Australia: Travis Head (capt), Tom Cooper, Mark Cosgrove, Callum Ferguson, Tim Ludeman, Joe Mennie, Kane Richardson, Alex Ross, Kelvin Smith, Chadd Sayers, Adam Zampa.

Western Australia: Shaun Marsh (capt), Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Tom Beaton, Jason Behrendorff, Will Bosisto, Marcus Harris, Michael Hogan, Michael Klinger, Simon Mackin, Sam Whiteman.