Victoria in control as Queensland struggle

Victoria 316 (Wade 84, Finch 73, Jewell 51, Hopes 5-66) and 1 for 5 lead Queensland 170 (Hartley 47) by 151 runs
Scorecard

Victoria are closing in on hosting the Sheffield Shield final after taking a 151-run lead over Queensland on the second day in Brisbane. The Bulls were dismissed for 170 in reply to Victoria's 316 and the visitors lost Chris Rogers as they finished on 1 for 5.

Pitches at the Gabba usually get better as the game goes on but the Bushrangers, who moved into the final with the first-innings points, already have a significant advantage in the top-of-the-table clash. The Bulls were never allowed to get going in their chase and were relieved when Chris Hartley, the No.6, compiled 47 as they scraped past the follow-on figure of 166.

Clint McKay was a key man with 3 for 50, removing Ryan Broad, Wade Townsend and Craig Philipson. Damien Wright was also important with 3 for 41 and Darren Pattinson claimed the valuable double of James Hopes (16) and Chris Simpson (4) to prevent a local recovery.

Hopes had taken five wickets early in the day as Victoria resumed on 6 for 265 and added 51. John Hastings was caught behind in the opening over and Hopes then picked up McKay for 6 to finish with 5 for 66.

Michael Hill was 32 not out while Pattinson (17) was the last man out, giving Luke Feldman his second wicket. Feldman struck again in the final over of the day to remove Rogers with a yorker to give his side some hope of a comeback.