Victoria 186 and 122 for 0 (Kellaway 62*, Harris 50*) Queensland 297 (Peirson 61, Lovell 60, Bartlett 57, Crone 4-68) by 11 runs

Peirson, so often a man for a crisis, received support from paceman Jack Wildermuth.

Bartlett played several agricultural heaves and an assortment of classic cricket strokes to showcase the hard work he has put into his batting of late.

Victoria pace bowler Xavier Crone returned his best figures in first class cricket.

The failure of Australia’s top order in the thrashing by India in the first Test in Perth has provided an opportunity for batters in the domestic scene to bash down the door and convince selectors they deserve an opportunity.

Harris, who missed out in the first innings, had made 469 runs for Victoria and Australia A this summer at an average of 46.9 leading into his second innings knock.

A hefty score is what the 32-year-old needs to add to his 14 Tests. He will be aiming for a hundred when play resumes on Tuesday.