Late Bulls resistance sets up tense final day

Victoria were unable to pull off a quick kill before stumps on day three of their Marsh Sheffield Shield match against Queensland at the MCG, which could be set for a tense finish on Friday.

Stubborn tail-end resistance from Queensland on Thursday took the game into the final day, lifting the Bulls from 5-163 at tea to 7-270 at stumps, an overall lead of 153.

Mark Steketee is on 45 and captain Jimmy Peirson 30no, with the pair putting on 64 so far for the eighth wicket.

Peter Siddle has three wickets, including that of Charlie Hemphrey after tea for 26.

Matt Short then took a low chance at first slip off Siddle's bowling to dismiss Jack Wildermuth for 34.

Fellow Victorian paceman James Pattinson marked his Test squad recall with two key wickets in the middle session as the home side rammed home their advantage.

Victoria are the reigning Shield champions, but have no wins from three games this season.

The rain that interrupted play for the first two days should stay away until late on Friday.

In the half hour before the squad to play Pakistan in Brisbane was announced, Pattinson trapped fellow Test teammate Marnus Labuschagne lbw for 35 to snap a 52-run stand with nightwatchman Cameron Gannon.

Pattinson then bowled nightwatchman Gannon for 45, his highest first-class score.

Chris Tremain also had Nathan McSweeney caught behind for 16.

Siddle has 3-42 from 21 overs and Pattinson 2-56 from 20.

Victoria XI: Eamonn Vines, Matt Short, Peter Handscomb (c), Aaron Finch, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sam Harper (wk), Will Sutherland, James Pattinson, Chris Tremain, Peter Siddle, Jon Holland

Queensland XI: Matthew Renshaw, Bryce Street, Marnus Labuschagne, Charlie Hemphrey, Nathan McSweeney, Jack Wildermuth, Jimmy Pierson (c & wk), Cameron Gannon, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, Blake Edwards