Victoria watchful in Sheffield Shield pursuit of NSW

| March 3, 2023

Second-placed Victoria have begun cautiously on day two of the Sheffield Shield as they seek to overhaul NSW’s modest first-innings total in Albury.

Victoria, who are seeking to hold off Queensland in the hunt for a spot in the Shield final, reached 3-86 at lunch at Lavington Sports Ground, in response to the home side’s 203.

Former Test opener Marcus Harris batted watchfully throughout the morning session on a challenging wicket, after Victoria resumed at their overnight 1-15.

Harris faced 119 balls to be unbeaten on 35 at the break, with the newly arrived Campbell Kellaway on four not out.

Mitch Perry led the way but fell short of a third first-class 50 as paceman Liam Hatcher removed the nightwatchman for 45.

NSW made it a double breakthrough when Ashley Chandrasinghe was removed by Chris Green for a duck.

The opening day was one to forget for the winless NSW, with their top-order batting failing to deliver and season top-scorer Daniel Hughes forced to retire hurt with a calf injury.