Boland powers Vics in must-win Shield clash with WA

Star quick Scott Boland has returned from New Zealand to help Victoria claim an early advantage in their must-win Marsh Sheffield Shield clash with Western Australia.

The 34-year-old was an invaluable inclusion for the Vics after being released from Australia's Test squad having been deemed surplus to requirements for the 2-0 series victory over the Black Caps.

Boland toiled away in hot conditions on Monday to take 4-41, helping bowl WA out for 244 after Victoria captain Will Sutherland won the toss and sent the visitors in to bat at the Junction Oval in Melbourne.

Sutherland's decision was looking questionable when WA moved to 4-203.

But Boland, Fergus O'Neill (3-48) and spinner Todd Murphy (2-54) helped trigger a collapse of 6-41.

"I would have liked to have stayed over in New Zealand if I was playing, but there was an opportunity to play back here," Boland said.

"I've spent so much time carrying the drinks this year so it's been nice to be back on the field.

"Credit to our whole bowling group, we stuck to our plans that we wanted to implement to their batters."

Most of the WA top-order got starts, but Jayden Goodwin finished top scorer with 43.

Allrounders Aaron Hardie (40) and Hilton Cartwright (31) battled hard during their knocks but never looked entirely comfortable.

Victoria had to face five overs before stumps, losing in-form opener Nic Maddinson to Cameron Gannon for two.

Marcus Harris, unbeaten on four, will resume on Tuesday with Mitch Perry (0no), who came out as the nightwatchman.

Former Test batter Peter Handscomb is due to come in at No.5 in his 100th Shield match.

Dual reigning champions Western Australia need to avoid losing to the Vics to be assured of reaching a third successive decider.

Sitting second on the table, the visitors can still make the final with a draw.

But Victoria – one place lower on the ladder – will be pushing hard to force a result after losing the last two finals against WA.

Tasmania, who last won a Shield title in 2012-13, are in the box seat to host the final after losing just once this season.

Sheffield Shield 2023-24 standings

Team	Matches played M	Wins W	Losses L	Drawn D	No results N/R	Deductions Ded.	Batting Bonus Bat	Bowling Bonus Bowl	Total points PTS
1 Western Australia Men WA	10	5	2	3	0	0	5.53	9.4	47.93
2 Tasmanian Tigers Men TAS	10	5	2	3	0	0	6.06	8.3	47.36
3 NSW Men NSW	10	4	3	3	0	0	6.31	9	42.31
4 Victoria Men VIC	10	4	4	2	0	0	4.74	8.2	38.94
5 South Australia Men SA	10	3	6	1	0	0	5.19	9.3	33.49
6 Queensland Bulls QLD	10	2	6	2	0	0	3.54	8.3	25.84

Legend

M: Matches played

W: Wins

L: Losses

D: Drawn

N/R: No results

Ded.: Deductions

Bat: Batting Bonus

Bowl: Bowling Bonus

PTS: Total points