Hodge demoralises Queensland with 261

Victoria 5 for 656 (Hodge 261, Rogers 123, White 95*, Quiney 94) lead Queensland 302 by 354 runs
Scorecard
Points table

Brad Hodge hurt Queensland during his marathon 261 before Victoria tried to crush them by batting on to a massive 5 for 656. The teams are a chance of meeting again in Friday's final, but after the past two days it would be understandable if the Bulls could think of nothing worse than running into Hodge and Co two weeks in a row.

Hodge wanted a long stay in preparation for the five-day decider and he spent almost eight hours working on his double-century against his potential opponents. He also became the sixth to pass 10,000 Sheffield Shield runs during his display, which lasted 394 balls and included 33 fours and three sixes.

Queensland's bowlers will do well to recover from such treatment and they were hindered further by a groin injury to Chris Swan. Ben Laughlin finally removed Hodge, who began with a 244-run stand with Chris Rogers on Friday, when he was caught by Chris Hartley, but the damage didn't stop.

Cameron White found some valuable form with 95 not out and Rob Quiney fell six short of a century. By the end of the day Victoria had collected 371 runs in 112 overs and owned a lead of 354.

James Hopes was economical with 2 for 66 off 30 overs, including bowling David Hussey for 62 before lunch, while Laughlin had 2 for 189 off 44. The Bulls' advantage over Tasmania has been cut to two points, and if the Tigers win in Adelaide Queensland's campaign will be over. Their plight was not helped when Shane Watson, who is playing as a specialist batsman, was struck in the face while fielding.