Ferguson and Manou fight for South Australia

South Australia 4 for 258 (Ferguson 79*, Harris 58, Manou 55*) trail Victoria 400 (Jewell 105, Mash 63, Wright 56, McKay 54) by 142 runs
Scorecard
Points table

Callum Ferguson kept South Australia afloat with an unbeaten 79 as the visitors recovered against the leaders Victoria to be 4 for 258 at stumps. Ferguson and Graham Manou combined to drag the Redbacks from the trouble of 4 for 132 as they chased Victoria's first innings of 400.

South Australia need another 143 on the third day to overtake the hosts and will look to Ferguson and Manou (55) to build on their 126-run stand. Daniel Harris followed his three wickets with a half-century but the Redbacks suffered regular setbacks during a bright start.

Harris was caught behind for 58 off an Andrew McDonald outswinger and Michael Klinger (48) was on the verge of adding another milestone to his impressive summer when Matthew Wade dived for a fine catch. The legspinner Bryce McGain, who is trying to prove he deserves a spot on the South Africa tour, returned 0 for 55 in 12 overs after some heavy early treatment.

South Australia's plans for a quick end to Victoria's innings were upset by the tail-enders Damien Wright and Clint McKay, who added a highly valuable 101 for the eighth wicket. Victoria began the second day at 7 for 305 but made it to 400 before being dismissed. Wright collected 56 while McKay (54) earned his first Sheffield Shield half-century.