Tigers fight back but face uphill battle

A half century to opener Alex Doolan helped drag Tasmania back into their JLT Sheffield Shield contest against Victoria in Hobart.

The Tigers were 2-196 in their second innings at stumps on day two, trailing by five runs.

Doolan appeared on track for his second Shield ton this season but late on Sunday's third session slashed Peter Siddle to slip and was dismissed for 94.

The near century came after a 90 in Tasmania's draw with NSW last week.

"To get out again in the 90s, when we're setting up the game, is really disappointing. I'm kicking myself," Doolan said.

"The shot was on. I just nicked it. It was just poorly executed."

The 32-year-old, who played four Tests in 2014, is mounting a strong case for a recall this summer and sits atop the Shield run tally.

His latest knock came against a Victorian attack of Siddle, Scott Boland, Chris Tremain, James Pattinson and Jon Holland.

Doolan shared a 170-run opening stand with Jordan Silk (77 not out), with the pair batting through the second session largely untroubled.

It was a marked batting reversal for the Tigers, who were routed for just 81 in a session and a bit on day one at Bellerive Oval.

Victoria posted 282 in reply on Sunday, after resuming at 5-148.

Siddle and Holland put on 50 for the final wicket to set up a massive 201-run first innings lead.

Riley Meredith was the pick of the Tigers' bowlers with 4-61.

Victoria's quicks, led by Chris Tremain (5-13), rolled through Tasmania on Saturday after they were sent in on a green-tinged pitch.

Victoria were 2-21 but Cameron White steadied ship with a composed 63.

Test aspirant Peter Handscomb failed with four but will likely get another bat to make amends.