Langer's 99 sets up tough chase for Victoria

Western Australia 8 for 372 dec and 6 for 211 (Langer 99, Rogers 75) lead Victoria 298 (McDonald 64*, Hussey 58, Jewell 53, Heal 4-46, McLauchlan 4-76) by 285 runs
Scorecard

Justin Langer kept Western Australia's Pura Cup campaign alive and narrowly missed his second century of the match as the Warriors set up a challenging fourth-day chase for Victoria. Langer's 99 earned the Warriors a lead of 285 as they reached 6 for 211 at the close.

Chris Rogers and Langer made their intentions clear as soon as they began, hammering a 159-run partnership from 37 overs. Rogers' 128-ball 75 ended when he was bowled by Shane Harwood and although Langer struggled to find another willing ally, he did not seem to need one.

His innings took 129 deliveries as he displayed the kind of aggression Victoria must rediscover to live up to their reputation as destructive chasers. Langer edged Andrew McDonald to Adam Crosthwaite from the last ball of the day as the Bushrangers did what they could to minimise the damage.

The visitors started their second innings with a 74-run advantage after bustling Victoria out for 298. Danny McLauchlan, the left-arm fast bowler, impressed on debut with 4 for 76 and Aaron Heal finished with 4 for 46.

McDonald ground out an unbeaten 64 but ran out of partners as Victoria tried to steal two points. Both sides are desperate for a win to stay in touch with table leaders Tasmania and New South Wales ahead of the last round of matches next week.