Inspired by a stoic century to Chris Rogers, Victoria are just five runs shy of first-innings points, reaching lunch at 8-289 on day three of their Sheffield Shield clash with New South Wales at the SCG.
Rogers’ innings came to an end shortly before lunch, but not before the former Test opener combined with Cameron White for an 80-run sixth-wicket partnership to put the Bushrangers within sight of NSW’s total of 293.
Victoria lost three wickets in the morning session on Thursday, including Rogers for 125 off 258 deliveries to Mitchell Starc and Josh Hastings (18) in the last over before lunch to Blues’ skipper Stephen O’Keefe.
Rogers looked composed and confident under overcast skies on Wednesday, and looked to cash in on a big score when he passed three figures, his 56th first-class ton, with the weather clearing on Thursday.
Rogers survived a massive shout for caught behind off the luckless Doug Bollinger (0-52) – prompting a lengthy tantrum from the bowler who then unleashed a fiery spell with the new ball.
White also felt the brunt of Bollinger’s spell, battling hard against a fired-up Blues’ pace attack for an unbeaten 54, his first half century of the summer.
But Rogers was left to rue a decision to chase a short, wide Starc delivery, slashing a wild cut shot to David Dawson, who took a fine, diving catch at deep point.
Starc, bowling with more vigour than on Wednesday, has figures of 2-65 for the match.
Young paceman Josh Hazlewood (2-80) had an excellent morning, regularly beating the bat and he was rewarded with the wicket of Victorian allrounder Alex Keath (0), who top-edged a hook shot to Starc at fine leg, while O’Keefe trapped Hastings in front while bowling around the wicket just before lunch.