Cutting, Forrest put Queensland on top

Queensland 355 and 4 for 163 (Forrest 75*, Robinson 51) lead Victoria 298 (Rogers 72, Handscomb 71, Cutting 4-50) by 220 runs
Scorecard

Ben Cutting delivered first-innings points to Queensland before their off-season recruit, Peter Forrest, extended that advantage on the third day at the Gabba. At stumps, the Bulls were 4 for 163 and had a comfortable 220-run lead over Victoria, with Forrest unbeaten on 75 and Nathan Reardon on 12.

The hosts were in a position to push for victory on the final day, but they had at least secured their first points of the season as Cutting took 4 for 50 to dismiss Victoria for 298. The Bushrangers were still 57 runs short of Queensland's total, despite a handy 30 not out from Clint McKay on the third morning.

Jayde Herrick gave Victoria hope when he reduced Queensland to 2 for 15 with the wickets of Ryan Broad for 7 and Wade Townsend for 1, but a 90-run partnership between Robinson and Forrest steadied the Bulls. Forrest was fortunate to survive when he was dropped by Alex Keath off the first ball he faced from Herrick, and he made the Bushrangers pay.

A former New South Wales batsman who moved north for greater opportunities, Forrest could bring up his fourth first-class century on the fourth day. He lost his partner Robinson, bowled by Glenn Maxwell for 51, and Maxwell also picked up Joe Burns for 6, but by the close Victoria's victory hopes rested on a generous declaration by Queensland's captain Chris Hartley.