Victoria Close in on Sheffield Shield Victory as Western Australia Falter

Western Australia's hopes of salvaging a draw against Victoria in the Sheffield Shield clash at Junction Oval dwindled on Sunday as the hosts chipped away at their batting lineup. Resuming on 34 for 1, the visitors battled through a rain-interrupted day to reach 278 for 7 at stumps, still trailing by 72 runs with a day to play.

Hilton Cartwright, who has been in impressive form this season, anchored the Western Australian innings with a gritty 78 off 166 deliveries. He received support from skipper Ashton Turner and wicketkeeper Joel Curtis, who played a defiant knock to keep his side's faint hopes alive.

However, Victoria's seam attack, led by Fergus O'Neill and Sam Elliott, proved too potent. O'Neill, who also claimed three wickets in the first innings, ended Cartwright's vigil with a perfect cutter that tickled the outside edge. Elliott, meanwhile, snared Sam Fanning and Jayden Goodwin in the morning session, both edging into the bucket hands of first slip Peter Handscomb.

The visitors' cause was further hampered by an injury to spinner Ashton Agar, who is now a doubt to bat. With a day to play, Victoria, who have already secured vital bonus points from the match, will be confident of securing victory and moving to the top of the Sheffield Shield ladder.

Cartwright's defiance, which has seen him score 420 runs at an average of 70 in four Shield matches this year, may not be enough to salvage anything for Western Australia. However, along with Curtis, he has made the Victorians fight hard for their victory.

Tags: #SheffieldShield, #WesternAustralia, #Victoria, #HiltonCartwright, #JoelCurtis