Pucovski half-century helps Victoria extend lead

MELBOURNE: On a day when rain affected the proceedings twice, Victoria tightened their grip in Sheffield Shield final against New South Wales (NSW).

At stumps on third day, thanks to half-century from Will Pucovski (51) and handy knocks from Cameron White (36) and Matthew Short (26), Victoria ended at 207-7 with their overall lead extended to 375 runs.

NSW struck early through Sean Abbott once the play resumed. He trapped Victoria captain Travis Dean on 25 before another rain interruption forced the players back to the dressing room.

Once the play resumed, Pucovksi and Seb Gotch put their heads together to fight the seaming conditions and take the score forward. They took the score past the 100-run mark and were separated when Harry Conway trapped Gotch on 20, breaking the 68-run partnership.

Abbott soon removed Pucovski three overs later whose departed after facing 99 deliveries and hitting eight fours off them.