Warne takes five for the game in Victorian loss

Queensland Academy of Sport 5 for 266 dec (Carseldine 54*) and 7 for 306 (Simpson 81, Hauritz 54*, Hartley 51) beat Victoria second XI 5 for 379 dec and 4 for 192 dec (Blizzard 101*, Rummans 69) by three wickets
Scorecard

On a day when 547 runs were amassed, two innings were declared, and a close result was achieved, Shane Warne had a bittersweet return, as he picked up three wickets, but went at six an over and ended up on the losing side.

Warne was at the receiving end of an overpowering assault by Queensland Academy of Sport, who chased down 306 at five and a half an over, and came out on top with a three-wicket victory, after closing their first innings at 266 earlier in the day, and then watching Victoria's second XI ratchet up 192 runs and declare.

Aiden Blizzard's unbeaten 101 was one of few bright spots for Victoria's second XI. The innings was declared when Blizzard reached his century, and then all attention turned to one man. And whichever way you look at it, Warne had an eventful day. His first delivery was smacked for four, he dropped a simple return catch, had two put down off his bowling, and was hit for five sixes. But he did claim three wickets, two of which came within four balls: Steven Farrell was bowled, while Steven Paulsen was caught at point. Earlier, Warne claimed Lee Carseldine after a loft to deep mid-off nestled safely in Brad Knowles's hands. But things took a turn for the worse when Nathan Hauritz was dropped off Warne, and he struck 54 off 29 balls to take his side to victory.

Peter Roach, captain of Victoria's second XI, said Warne's bowling numbers could have been better if the chances were grabbed.

"His figures could have come out a lot better than they did with a few catches being taken and he dropped a caught and bowled as well, so he blames himself a little bit, but it was a good preparation and he'll be better for it."

It was a useful outing for Warne, who took 5-152 and bowled nearly 36 overs - ideal preparation for Saturday's ING Cup match against Tasmania at the MCG.

Roach said Warne was keen to put himself under pressure, and showed no signs of soreness during his spell.

"We asked him if he wanted to keep bowling and he said he did. He said it was the perfect preparation for him to bowl in a pressure situation, as much as he can be under pressure in a 2nd XI game, but he felt he was under pressure so it was good for him.

"He's happy with the way he came through."