The stage is set for David Hussey to emerge as Victoria’s unlikely hero in their Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland at the Gabba.
At stumps on day two, the Bushrangers are 5-230 with Hussey not out 41 in reply to the Bulls’ first innings of 8(dec)-382.
Queensland struck a telling blow before stumps when captain Matthew Wade (35) was caught behind off Ben Cutting (1-56), ending a 75-run fifth wicket stand with Hussey as Victoria again stumbled in their first innings run chase.
Hussey was initially overlooked for the game but now all eyes are on the veteran as second last Victoria try to kick-start their Shield campaign.
The 36-year-old former international limited-overs batsman appeared to be fighting for his first class career when named 12th man for Victoria’s last Shield clash – the second time in three games it had happened.
He had only played in the match before that against Western Australia – in which he struck a fine 85 – because Wade was suspended for one game for pitch tampering.
However, Rob Quiney’s calf injury again opened the door for Hussey ahead of this week’s clash against Queensland – and it seems the veteran is keen to provide selectors a not so subtle reminder of his talents.
Hussey will hope to pick up where the likes of Cameron White (76) and opener Peter Handscomb (52) left off.
The pair put on a 103 third wicket stand after Alister McDermott (3-52) trapped Aaron Finch (four) in front and bowled Glenn Maxwell (14) to reduce the visitors to 2-33.
Earlier, the Bulls declared their first innings on the stroke of lunch in the hunt for a much needed result.
The Bulls put on 4-119 in the morning session, highlighted by an 88-run fifth wicket stand between Bulls captain James Hopes (57) and Peter Forrest (36).
Queensland’s first innings marked only the 15th time in Shield history all 10 batsmen in a team reached double figures without scoring a century.
Both teams are desperate to kick-start their Shield campaigns in the last round of four-day matches before the competition takes a break for the Big Bash League Twenty20 tournament.
Bottom team Queensland have approached the clash as a must win game after amassing just four points in five matches – 14 behind leaders NSW – while the Bushrangers (8pts) are reeling from two outright losses.
