Honours even after first day of Pura Cup Final

A partnership of 192 runs between Brad Hodge and Nick Jewell, and a late revival from Andy Bichel, has left the opening days play on even terms in the Pura Cup final at the Gabba.

Hodge, looking to impress national selectors after his dumping from the Test side, staked his claim for a recall and recorded his 40th First Class Hundred, reaching the milestone off 150 balls.

After coming together at 2/46 after the loss of opener Lloyd Mash, Jewell and Hodge steered Victoria to the lunch break, leaving the field at 2/52.

But it was the second session in which they made an impact, hitting the Bulls bowlers for 121 unbeaten runs at a run rate of 3.20 an over.

It was a courageous decision for Victorian Captain, Cameron White, to elect to bat when he won the toss, considering the efforts of the Victorian First-Innings scores this season, but it is one that has paid of due to the exploits of Hodge and Jewell.

Openers Jason Arnberger and Lloyd Mash began slowly, successfully seeing off main Queensland threat, Andy Bichel.

Arnberger was the first to fall, deceived by the pace of left-armer Mitchell Johnson, and easily caught behind by keeper Chris Hartley for 15.

Mash fell on the same amount and in the same fashion, caught behind after inside-edging senior Bull’s bowler Ashley Noffke through to the keeper.

It wasn’t a great finish for the Bushrangers however, as they lost Jewell, Hodge and White in the space of four overs.

Tired after his pugnacious innings of 89, Jewell played a lazy pull shot and was caught by all-rounder Shane Watson at Square leg off the bowling of James Hopes.

Hodge, meanwhile, was bowled by Andy Bichel with only his second delivery with the new ball. He was out for a timely 108.

White became Bichel’s second wicket of the match, caught at third slip by Clinton Perren for only four, the skipper unable to hold the ship together before the close of play.

In what was quite a turnaround towards the end of play, with three quick wickets falling, Victoria has ended day one with a total of 5/269 after 82 overs, with David Hussey looking comfortable on 20 having faced only 19 balls, and night watchman Mick Lewis yet to score.

The Bushrangers will need to build from the base they set up today, and will be looking for a first innings total in excess of 350 with all-rounders Jon Moss and Nathan Pilon yet to make it to the crease.

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