Sheffield Shield final: Victoria’s Marcus Harris scores big century on day one

Australian chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns was on hand to watch Victorian opener Marcus Harris stamp his authority on the Sheffield Shield final — but the day wasn’t without controversy.

Trent Copeland overstepped but wasn't spotted.

Marcus Harris knew his responsibility levels lifted when Victoria took five bowlers into the Sheffield Shield final and on day one he delivered.

The opener was dropped twice but carved out a third Shield final hundred and his 141 helped the home side to 6-266 at stumps on a Junction Oval wicket which Harris said 320 would be a good score.

Harris’ third century of the Shield season, which took his run tally to 1165, was the highlight but the opening day was not without controversy.

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Elevated to number four in a batting line-up which had fast bowler James Pattinson coming in at seven, Victorian keeper Seb Gotch was dismissed for two off an undetected no-ball from NSW seamer Trent Copeland.

The wicket reduced the Vics to 3-113 and despite the match being televised, the playing provisions didn’t allow for third umpire Gerard Abood to correct on-field umpire Paul Wilson’s mistake.

“This incident will be followed up in Cricket Australia’s general match review process and feedback will of course be taken on board,” a CA spokesperson said.

Copeland also knew he’d gotten away with one.

Victorian opener Marcus Harris on his way to 141 against NSW on day one of the Sheffield Shield final on Thursday. Picture: Getty Images

“Thankfully “Blocker” (Wilson) was asleep on that one,” Copeland told Fox Sports.

The Vics weren’t without their own luck however, as NSW dropped four catches, including Harris on 71 and 121.

With national chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns watching, Harris made them pay, smashing 17 boundaries in his 229-ball stay, an innings he knew he had to play.

“Yeah I did and knowing we came in with the extra bowler as well, I was pretty aware that someone would have to make a decent enough score to be able to put us in a position to maybe get a good first innings total,” Harris said.

Seb Gotch was unlucky. Pic: AAP

Trent Copeland was more than happy to see the back of Gotch. Pic: Getty Images

“It’s pretty obvious that you have to perform. But we have in the back of our mind no matter what we make we’ll back our bowlers to bowl them out.

“The wicket is probably not as flat as it has been in other games, a little bit two-paced and a bit up and down. There are some decent cracks there and I’m not sure how far they will open up with the weather coming but winning the toss and batting first is a bit advantage I think.

“If we can get 300 to 320, I think that will be a decent total.”

Victorian coach Andrew McDonald opted to include veteran Peter Siddle among a four-man pace battery, fully aware it was a risk.

“It really is an educated guess, and hindsight will tell you whether it’s right or wrong,” McDonald said before the game about selection.

Victoria’s Marcus Harris celebrates bringing up his century. Picture: Getty Images

The presence of Harris, who most commentators believe is now a “lock” for the Ashes squad, could have swayed McDonald because the coach said he “hasn’t been out of nick” all season.

Nor has he been out of form in the past three Shield finals in which he has played, knocking out a century in each, two for the Vics and one for WA, to give him 521 runs at 104 in finals.

NSW bowler Sean Abbott, who dismissed Harris, said keeping the Vics to 266 runs was good, but only taking six wickets was not.

TEA at the Junction Oval but Sheffield Shield mired in controversy after third umpire failed to view vision and call a big no-ball which dismissed Victoria's Seb Gotch - Vics 4-172 at the break @heraldsunsport

— Russell Gould (@gouldyheraldsun) March 28, 2019

The Vics also maintained the bonus point edge, with 0.66 to .6 for NSW. First innings bonus points will determine the winner should the five-day match end in a draw, with at least 270 overs bowled.

Rain is expected throughout the weekend, but Harris said McDonald had told his players to “not even worry about bonus points”, which are in play for the first time in a Shield final.

AND BONUS POINTS UPDATE AFTER DAY ONE ...

Victoria — .66 (.01 for every run over 200 inside first 100 overs)

NSW — .6 (.1 for every wicket inside first 100 overs)

First innings bonus points will determine the winner in the event of a draw after 270 completed overs