Victoria's batsmen dominate third day

Victoria 305 & 2 for 273 (Quiney 73, Jewell 70, Hussey 63*, Finch 54*) lead Queensland 257 (Broad 82, McDonald 3-64) by 321 runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details

Victoria had their best day of the final as they amassed a 321-run lead that has effectively eliminated Queensland from the game. The hosts collected an advantage of 48 after the Bulls were bowled out for 257 in the first session and then raced ahead to finish the third day at 2 for 273.

Rob Quiney and Nick Jewell started the second innings in excellent shape as they combined in an opening stand of 154 at more than four an over. With each run they made Queensland's task even harder - they were already without the bowling services of James Hopes - and it will take a freakish effort from the visitors to upset the competition leader now. The Bushrangers only need to draw the match to raise the Sheffield Shield so they can bat for as long as they like over the final two days.

Cameron Boyce, the rookie slow bowler, broke through twice in nine balls to remove both openers but David Hussey and Aaron Finch made sure there were no more losses. A fine legspinner from around the wicket bowled Quiney for 73 after he had collected 10 fours and a six during his 112-ball display. Jewell was slightly more cautious and he departed to a strange shot that ended in a catch to Chris Simpson at first slip.

Victoria were 2 for 155 but Hussey and Finch quickly regained the momentum in a brisk stand of 118 in 150 balls. Hussey enjoyed attacking Boyce (2 for 60) and finished unbeaten on 63 while Finch was 54, including three fours in a Ben Cutting over late in the day.

The Bulls were dismissed after adding 58 in the morning thanks to Cutting's aggressive 35. Simpson was lbw to Damien Wright (2 for 48) early before the bowler hobbled off with a hamstring strain. Chris Swan and Luke Feldman were knocked over by John Hastings before Andrew McDonald, who had 3 for 64, finished the innings by bowling Boyce.

It hasn't been a great match for the bowlers with Hopes unable to deliver any more overs after suffering a grade one calf injury. The problem means Hopes will be out for up to three weeks, which threatens his plans of appearing in both the World Twenty20 and the IPL.