Queensland move closer to Shield final

Queensland 5 for 285 (Forrest 88*, Burns 71, Lynn 55) lead Victoria 210 (Hussey 58, Hastings 50, Hopes 6-40) by 75 runs
Scorecard

Peter Forrest led a solid batting display from Queensland on the second day in Melbourne as they sought the victory they needed to earn a place in the Sheffield Shield final. Forrest finished the day unbeaten on 88 alongside captain James Hopes on 22 and at 5 for 285, Queensland's lead had extended to 75 runs after Hopes completed a six-wicket haul in the morning.

If Queensland can manage a win over Victoria they will have a very strong chance of playing in the Shield final, given that South Australia and Western Australia were both struggling in their matches. Victoria began the day at 8 for 197 and added only 13 more runs as Hopes picked up two more wickets to finish with 6 for 40, and a 70-run opening stand gave the Bulls a solid start.

Opener Joe Burns made 71 before he and Usman Khawaja (20) both fell in one John Hastings over, but Forrest and Chris Lynn were then able to put on 132 runs for the fourth wicket to secure first-innings points. Lynn fell for 55 but Forrest was within sight of a century by stumps.