Labuschagne ton helps Queensland retain top spot

An unbeaten century from Queensland batsman Marnus Labuschagne helped the Bulls stay top of the Sheffield Shield table following a high scoring draw with Victoria at the MCG.

The Bushrangers threatened to steal a result early on the final day. Peter Siddle tore through the Bulls top order claiming openers Matt Renshaw, Lachlan Pfeffer and Charlie Hemphrey cheaply to reduce the visitors to 3 for 26.

Labuschagne and Sam Heazlett steadied with a 99-run fourth-wicket stand before Heazlett was bowled by Fawad Ahmed for 49. Jack Wildermuth joined Labuschagne to bat out the next 21.1 overs unscathed. Labuschagne reached his century from 159 balls, his fourth at the first-class level. The game was called off two balls later.

Bushrangers youngster Will Pucovski was named Player of the Match for his marathon 414-ball 188.

The Bulls hold top spot while the Bushrangers slumped to last on the table. But they are only six points shy of the second-placed Tasmania with three rounds remaining.