Victoria fight back after Langer century

Western Australia 5 for 264 (Langer 108, North 69) v Victoria
Scorecard

Justin Langer was in fine form for Western Australia © Getty Images Enlarge

Late wickets put Victoria back on track after Justin Langer impressed with his first Pura Cup century since his Test farewell. Langer's 108 was the highlight of a low-scoring day at Melbourne, though he had good support from Marcus North (69) as the Warriors reached 5 for 264 at stumps.

Shane Harwood returned near the close and had North caught behind, finishing with outstanding figures of 2 for 34 from 23 overs. He was almost single-handedly responsible for the low run-rate of 2.75 as Darren Pattinson and Andrew McDonald struggled to contain Langer.

North and Langer added 102 for the third wicket after the Warriors began with a solid opening stand. Langer made the most of an early chance on 13 when he edged McDonald's first ball to the diving Adam Crosthwaite, who spilled the opportunity in front of first slip.

He brought up his hundred with three consecutive cover-driven fours off Pattinson just before tea, reaching the milestone in 154 deliveries. Cameron White, Victoria's frontline spinner with Bryce McGain omitted, troubled Langer several times and removed him straight after the last break with a wrong'un edged to Crosthwaite.

Pattinson enticed a thick edge to gully from Adam Voges, who showed little of the form that earned him a one-day call-up last month and took 72 balls for his 12. Rogers passed 1000 runs for the season as he contributed 34 in the 66-run opening stand with Langer but became Peter Siddle's first Pura Cup victim when he pulled to midwicket.

White's decision to bowl perhaps had more to do with Victoria's success chasing fourth-day targets than the pitch, which offered little assistance even in the first session. Both teams are desperate for a win to stay in the race for the final.