Cricket

Vics' debutant shines as Shield clash goes down to wire

By Shayne Hope

Feb 7, 2026

Tom Straker of Queensland — Tom Straker took three wickets for Queensland as they looked to down Victoria in the Shield. -AAP Image

First-class debutant Dylan Brasher scored an unbeaten half-century to give Victoria a shot at victory in their top-of-the-table Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland.

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Set 242 to win a topsy-turvy contest at the MCG, Victoria were in serious trouble at 5-88 on day three.

Stylish left-hander Brasher and Mitchell Perry steadied the hosts, occupying the crease for more than 38 overs together and putting on 57 runs for the sixth wicket.

But a frustrated Perry (27) was out in the second-last over of the day when he lashed a catch straight to cover off Jem Ryan (2-21).

Brasher (54 no) was the anchor for Victoria as they reached 6-150 at stumps.

The 25-year-old will resume on Sunday alongside Fergus O'Neill (4no) with Victoria requiring another 92 runs for victory.

Tom Straker bowled superbly for Queensland, taking 3-16 from 12 overs with seven maidens.

He dismissed Victoria's top three batters, removing Sam Harper (19), Campbell Kellaway (two) and Blake Macdonald (zero).

Harper was elevated to open the batting and made a hot start by taking 14 off Michael Neser's first over before he was out lbw for the second time in the match.

This time, however, he was in a state of shock after the ball missed his pad and hit him near the groin.

Peter Handscomb, who made a half-century in Victoria's wobbly first innings, was bowled by Ryan for 34.

Queensland are vying to stay in second place on the Shield table as the race for a spot in the final heats up, while Victoria could cement top position.