Western Australia fight back at the WACA

Western Australia 0 for 136 (M Hussey 76*, Rogers 57*) and 142 lead Victoria 271 (D Hussey 63, Moss 58) by 7 runs
Scorecard

Victoria's Jon Moss contributed a vital 58 © Getty Images

Western Australia's openers Chris Rogers and captain Mike Hussey took advantage of a drying pitch to fight back strongly and put their side in contention on day two of the Pura Cup clash against Victoria at the WACA. Both made undefeated fifities and pushed their side to 0 for 136, a lead of 7 runs.

Victoria had looked well set when they built up a first innings lead of 129 due to some solid if unremarkable batting. After 14 wickets fell on the first day, the pitch offered far more to the batsman today. Resuming on 4 for 117, Victoria's top nine all contributed double-figured scores, but only David Hussey and Jon Moss made fifties, the latter's a gruelling 58 from 149 balls allowing time for the tail to to make some quickish runs. He put on 33 for the seventh wicket with Adam Crosthwaite and a further 61 for the eighth with Shane Harwood, who smashed six boundaries. The final three wickets fell for just one run, and Brett Dorey, Mathew Innes and Brad Williams each picked up three wickets.

Rogers and Hussey were patient in reply, scoring at just over three an over. With a strong batting line-up to follow, Western Australia will be confident of setting a decent target against an average bowling attack.

"We bowled really well today and they had a bit of luck," Dorey said. "If these two [Hussey and Rogers] can stay out there for a fair while, there's still plenty of cricket left. With two days left, I think we still have a good chance."