Hopes gives Queensland strong start

Victoria 8 for 197 (Hussey 58, Hastings 50, Hopes 4-35, Feldman 3-30) v Queensland
Scorecard

Queensland captain James Hopes proved dangerous with the new ball before Victoria recovered somewhat through half-centuries to David Hussey and John Hastings on the first day in Melbourne. Hopes took three early wickets to leave Victoria at 3 for 17 but when stumps was called following an afternoon rain interruption the Bushrangers had moved on to 8 for 197, with Jon Holland on 8, having just lost his partner Hastings for 50.

The fourth-placed Bulls have an outside chance of reaching the Sheffield Shield final but they would need everything to fall their way in this last round, and things began well for them as Hopes ran through Rob Quiney, Marcus Stoinis and Dean Russ cheaply. But Hussey and Peter Handscomb led the recovery for Victoria with a 93-run stand that ended when Handscomb (43) fell to an outstanding catch from Chris Lynn at mid-on off the bowling of Cameron Boyce.

Soon afterwards, Hussey edged Luke Feldman to slip for 58 and when Hopes return to bowl Matthew Wade cheaply, a quick finish to the innings seemed possible. However, Hastings was able to hold off the Queensland attack with some help from Scott Boland and Holland, although Feldman picked up the wickets of both Boland and Hastings.