Cameron White’s return to form with the bat and a maiden Sheffield Shield century by left-hander Michael Hill highlighted Victoria’s domination of Queensland at the MCG on Wednesday.
White, the Victorian captain, bludgeoned 144 not out with 16 fours and three sixes, reaching his first Shield century since the 2008-09 final.
Hill, the former Australian under 19s captain, also made a patient, 414-minute 144 before being caught out.
Resuming the third day at 3-212 in reply to Queensland’s 322, the Bushrangers took advantage of an injury-weakened Bulls’ bowling attack, soaring to 4-474 by tea.
With a lead of 152 runs and more than a day to play, White’s team is primed to push for outright points that would take it to the top of the Shield table.
A wearing wicket could well be helpful to Victoria’s two spinners, Fawad Ahmed and Clive Rose tomorrow.
White, the former Test all-rounder, had managed just 233 runs at 25.89 in six Shield matches this season for Victoria.
But he played with authority throughout his chanceless innings today, reaching 100 with a straight six and then a square cut boundary from Cameron Gannon’s bowling. His century came from 150 balls and included 13 fours and three sixes.
Hill, 24, put a difficult few years with injuries behind him by posting his second century in first class cricket, his other ton being against England in a tour game in 2010 at the MCG.
He was given a life at 74 by Peter Forrest at slip from Gannon, but played with surety in a stand of 186 with White before holing out down the ground.