Queensland struggle after conceding mammoth total

Queensland 6 for 177 (Maher 72) trail Victoria 710 (Elliott 155, Moss 98, Arnberger 90, Hodge 89, Harvey 62, Berry 61) by 533 runs
Scorecard

Victoria moved within striking distance of winning the Pura Cup, taking six Queensland wickets late on the third day at the MCG. Almost guaranteed of their first domestic title since 1990-91 after posting a mammoth 710, Victoria took a giant stride towards victory after legspinner Cameron White's three wickets sparked a Queensland collapse just before tea.

Queensland finished the day at 6 for 177, with Martin Love unbeaten on 22, but still trailed by a daunting 533 runs. Love, Queensland's usual No. 3, came in at No. 6 after spending most of the day at the team hotel with a sinus infection.

Jimmy Maher, the Queensland captain, was leg-before in Jonathan Moss's first over for 72 shortly before the close, ending almost four hours of resistance. Moss then had Chris Hartley for a duck in his next over. White finished with 3 for 36, and Moss had 2 for 2.

Although facing a almost impossible ask to get within sight of Victoria's total, Queensland were on course when Maher and Clinton Perren negotiated the initial onslaught. But with the score on 85, Perren (40) edged Michael Lewis and Darren Berry held a diving one-handed catch.

White then took two wickets in 10 balls. Stuart Law (18) spooned a wide ball to David Hussey at cover and then Chris Simpson was trapped in front. White later grabbed his third wicket when James Hopes was adjudged leg-before for 5, sweeping across the line.

Victoria continued to bat in the morning, eventually posting the highest score in a Sheffield Shield/Pura Cup final. It was also the highest score in Australian domestic cricket in over 60 years. Their total overtook the 664 that Queensland scored in the 1994-95 final against South Australia at the Gabba, and was the highest score in a state match since South Australia made 7 for 821 against Queensland at Adelaide in 1939-40.