Marsh sets up tall target for Victoria

Victoria 251 (Hussey 84, White 61, Magoffin 5-67) and 0 for 17 trail Western Australia 9 for 428 dec and 5 for 277 dec (Marsh 96, Voges 79*, Ronchi 61) by 437 runs
Scorecard

Victoria face a monster fourth-day chase as they fight for Pura Cup final-hosting rights, after Shaun Marsh's 96 set up a lead of 454 for Western Australia. The Bushrangers reached 0 for 17 at stumps with Nick Jewell on 6 and Lloyd Mash on 9, meaning they required a further 438 for an unlikely win.

Western Australia could have enforced the follow-on after the Bushrangers were dismissed for 251, at which point they trailed by 177. Cameron White began the day as their primary hope but he could only add five to his overnight score and at 61 became Steve Magoffin's fifth victim.

Shane Harwood and Bryce McGain grabbed two wickets each in the Warriors' second innings, however Marsh and Luke Ronchi got the home side away to a strong start. Ronchi was promoted to open as Justin Langer rested his sore back and his 61 from 62 balls set the scene.

Adam Voges continued to extend their lead with 79 not out before the declaration came at 5 for 277, giving Victoria a nine-over period to face late in the day. Although they have built their reputation on chasing big targets in recent years, the Bushrangers' current task would be one of their greatest achievements if they could pull it off.

Victoria and New South Wales have already reached the Pura Cup decider and the teams are equal on points, meaning the hosting rights will be determined by the current games and the final round, which starts on Friday. New South Wales also failed to claim first-innings points in their match against Tasmania.