Victoria play it safe as spinners cause some nervy moments

Victoria came through a final session trial by spin as their clash against Queensland ended in a draw after declining to have a dip at a run chase offered by Jimmy Peirson's declaration.

A target of 236 in a minimum 45 overs was always unlikely and any chance of Victoria, who are top of the table, setting themselves up for it vanished when they lost early wickets which opened the door for Queensland to create some nervy moments.

"We had every intention of trying to chase, but just got into a little bit of a hole against the new ball," Victoria coach Chris Rogers said. "It was always going to be tough against the spin on that kind of wearing wicket with the footmarks. With one of our best players out there in Nic Maddinson, he felt that it was going to be too hard to try and chase, and we supported that decision."

Travis Dean edged to third slip in the fourth over and the in-form Peter Handscomb was given out to a top-edged hook although did not appear impressed by the decision. When Marcus Harris was beaten by one which skidded through from Matt Renshaw, Victoria were 3 for 33.

Queensland crowded the bat - in the final hour everyone was in a catching position - with Mitchell Swepson, Matt Kuhnemann, Renshaw and Gurinder Sandhu, the latter bowling offspin rather than his usual seam up, rattling through the overs and they created a number of near-misses for the batters.

However, Nic Maddinson, who had scored a century in the first innings and will now be on stand-by for the tour of Pakistan should there be any late issues before the squad departs, and Matt Short survived 30 overs.

Mark Steketee, who has been drafted into the Pakistan tour after Michael Neser's injury, only bowled two overs in the second innings before leaving the field nursing his side but after the match Peirson said it was a precautionary move and all indications were that Steketee would be fine.

Earlier in the day it appeared that Victoria might be able to force a result themselves. Queensland had resumed just 58 ahead with three wickets down and Sam Truloff fell in the 11th over of the day. When Jack Clayton reverse swept to slip and Sandhu was caught behind, Queensland's lead was 141 with considerable time left.

Peirson and James Bazley prevented further loss and then opened their shoulders to push Victoria towards their declaration which included Jon Holland being taken for 17 in an over before removing Peirson to a catch in the deep.