“It's been weird, I've felt good and it's such a shame when you feel good and don't make runs because you're just kicking yourself the whole time,” Peter Handscomb told Cricinfo after scoring an unbeaten century for Victoria against Western Australia at the MCG on Wednesday.
The veteran batter sent national selectors a firm reminder of his class with a near-flawless 131 not out on one of the flattest day-one pitches the venue has produced in years. His innings kept his name in the frame for a Test recall on the upcoming tour of India.
- Test Selection Momentum: Handscomb’s steadfast knock elevates his stock for national duties, challenging selectors looking for proven players of slow bowling.
- Shield Reliability: Blake Macdonald and Ashley Chandrasinghe also bolstered Victoria’s top-order security, proving strong consistency in domestic markets.
- Betting Futures: Victoria’s commanding total of 3 for 292 places them firmly in the driver’s seat for the Sheffield Shield fixture.
Handscomb walked to the crease with his side wobbling slightly at 44 for 2 after winning the toss. Curator Matt Page stripped most of the live grass from the surface, leaving just 7mm to avoid the issues of previous years.
Early on, the new ball offered good carry and sideways movement. Marcus Harris nicked four times in a 20-ball innings of 15 before being caught by keeper Joel Curtis, and Sam Harper fell to a stunning catch by Albert Esterhuysen.
Handscomb and Chandrasinghe played through a slow outfield before lunch, with Handscomb driving smoothly down the ground. When Western Australia introduced spin, the right-hander demonstrated his elite capability against slow bowling by using his feet and the depth of the crease.
Chandrasinghe contributed 53 in a 112-run partnership before skying a slog sweep off Corey Rocchiccioli. Blake Macdonald then joined Handscomb to compile an unbeaten 74, steering Victoria to 292 for 3 at stumps.
| Batter | Score | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Peter Handscomb | 131 | Not Out |
| Blake Macdonald | 74 | Not Out |
| Ashley Chandrasinghe | 53 | Out |
Play resumes on Thursday morning as Victoria looks to build an imposing first-innings lead.
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
