Victoria regain control at the WACA

Western Australia 274 and 2 for 57 need 247 runs to beat Victoria 199 and 378 (Wade 91, Wright 80)
Scorecard

Victoria's lower order staged a powerful recovery to give them a strong chance of an outright victory over Western Australia that would earn a home final. After giving up a 75-run advantage on first innings, the Bushrangers fought through Matthew Wade and Damien Wright to finish with 378 and set the hosts 304.

At stumps Western Australia were 2 for 57 after the captain Marcus North failed in his final chance before the Test squad for New Zealand is named next week. North departed on 3 when he hit John Hastings to point, a dismissal which came an over after Wes Robinson (11) clipped Andrew McDonald to square leg.

Wade's 91 lifted Victoria after they lost four wickets, including David Hussey and Nick Jewell, in the first session to be 6 for 181. However, the lower order kicked in, with Wade and John Hastings (29) putting on 52 before Wade and Wright combined for 91.

Wade struck 11 fours and two sixes during his 130-ball stay and Wright took over the aggressive role when the wicketkeeper exited. Wright blasted 80 from 76 deliveries and gained support from Darren Pattinson, who went on to be unbeaten on 25. If the bowlers operate as well with the ball on the final day as they did with the bat, they will ensure their side stays ahead of Queensland and hosts the final from March 17.