Doolan's 247* sets Victoria 453 to win

A second first-class double-century, which Alex Doolan turned into a career-best 247 not out, helped Tasmania set Victoria a target of 453 at the MCG. The defending champions were 2 for 67 having played out 24.5 overs at stumps, with play called off early due to bad light.

Tasmania declared on 2 for 424 in their second innings and Doolan was the top story in the Sheffield Shield for much of the day, barring a few moments when burnt toast stopped play at Allan Border Field. He hit 30 fours and a six in a knock that spanned nearly 400 deliveries, adding to a strange path his career has taken since the 2016-17 season: Doolan has two double-hundreds in his last 20 innings, but also 16 scores of 25 or less. Tim Paine, who recently made a comeback to the Australian team, gave Doolan company, scoring 71 not out in a partnership worth 191.

In the hopes of pulling off something similar, Ashes hopeful Glenn Maxwell (with a remarkably sedate strike rate of 39) and Victoria captain Peter Handscomb were at the crease on 20 and 5 respectively.