Elliott and Holland give Victoria chance of remarkable win

Victoria were back in the hunt for their first win of the Sheffield Shield season after a remarkable day-three fightback against Tasmania.

Debutant Sam Elliott struck an unbeaten 80 at the MCG on Saturday to help set Tasmania a victory target of 238.

The visitors stuttered in response before Ben McDermott (46 not out) and Jake Doran guided them through to stumps.

Tasmania are in the stronger position, requiring a further 87 runs for outright victory on Sunday with six wickets remaining, but the match is delicately poised.

Will Sutherland made two important breakthroughs for Victoria, removing opener Caleb Jewell and Matthew Wade, who had made a strong start.

Fergus O'Neill had Tim Ward caught at first slip and Jon Holland trapped Jordan Silk lbw.

Earlier on Saturday, Elliott took a leaf out his famous father's book with the bat in a superb knock to help lift Victoria to 336 in their second innings. Sam Harper and tailender Holland also hit vital half-centuries in Victoria's rearguard.

Winless Victoria had been staring down the barrel of another defeat when they slumped to 5 for 115 late on day two, having trailed by 99 runs on the first innings.

But the 22-year-old son of former Test opener Matthew Elliott came in at No. 9 and combined with Harper in a vital 84-run partnership that extended into day three, turning the match on its head.

Elliott and veteran Holland then put on a remarkable 96 for the ninth wicket.

Holland's blistering innings matched his previous best first-class tally as he smashed eight boundaries and a six in just 50 balls.

Elliott, who also hit eight boundaries, was on 19 when he survived a huge lbw shout by Jackson Bird. He then frustrated Tasmania's front-line paceman by nicking the next ball through the slips for four.

Peter Siddle did not bowl on Saturday, with ex-Australian captain Tim Paine fielding as the substitute.