Hodge century drives Victoria's ambitions

Victoria 4 for 388 (Hodge 140*, White 50*, Elliott 89, Arnberger 60) v Tasmania
Scorecard

Brad Hodge enhanced his prospects for a place on the New Zealand Test tour with an unbeaten 140 as Victoria's batsmen dominated the opening day against Tasmania. Hodge, who made 204 in the last match against South Australia, is a contender for a national spot if Darren Lehmann is overlooked, and he made a big impression at the MCG in front of the selector Andrew Hilditch.

Victoria produced a cracking performance to rack up 4 for 388, but Hodge was the standout, hitting 20 fours and two sixes in 182 balls, and shared partnerships of 92 with Jonathan Moss and 127 with Cameron White (50 not out).

Desperate for a win to stay in touch of a Pura Cup final berth, Victoria began strongly as the openers Matthew Elliott and Jason Arnberger steered them to 148. The stand was the pair's 16th century partnership in their 50th Pura Cup match together, but neither posted three figures. Elliott, who was dropped on 33, played on to Adam Griffith for 89 while Arnberger slipped to Damien Wright on 60. Griffith and Wright both picked up two wickets.