McDonald and Hussey dominate with bat

New South Wales 249 and 1 for 75 trail Victoria 6 for 580 dec (McDonald 150*, Hussey 124, Jewell 112, Hodge 88) by 256 runs
Scorecard

Andrew McDonald and David Hussey scored centuries in a 258-run stand that put victory out of reach for New South Wales at the MCG. Victoria declared at 6 for 580 and by stumps the Blues had reduced the deficit to 256 runs for the loss of one wicket.

McDonald's 150 not out - his maiden first-class hundred - confirmed him as one of the most dangerous batsmen in the Pura Cup this season. In eight innings, he has now passed fifty on five occasions and averages 101.20. The partnership with Hussey was a fifth-wicket record for Victoria against New South Wales.

Hussey's 124 was his first time in triple figures in 2006-07 and he finally fell when he mistimed a pull shot and was caught at mid-on. The Bushrangers' runs have been spread among the players this year, with five batsmen scoring centuries in the first five games of the season.

Ed Cowan (42 not out) and Simon Katich (28 not out) gave the Blues a reasonable chance of avoiding defeat at 1 for 75 at stumps but another failure for Phil Jaques will not help his push to impress the Australia selectors. Jaques was out for 2 - his sixth single-figure score in his last eight innings.

The home side's attack was one man short, after the first-innings destroyer Shane Harwood suffered a suspected leg muscle injury. Harwood had only recently recovered from a strained buttock muscle.