Harris makes up for lean start with big hundred as draw looms

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Test hopeful Marcus Harris broke through for his first century of the domestic season as Victoria's Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania appeared destined to end in a draw.

Harris, who last played for Australia in January 2022, top scored with a classy 164 in Victoria's 373 at the Junction Oval.

After taking a first-innings lead of 79, Tasmania were 15 for 1 when stumps were called early on day three due to bad light, then rain. Caleb Jewell was sharply caught at second slip off Peter Siddle after Fergus O'Neill had injured himself with his first delivery.

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But the day belonged to Harris, scoring his 27th first-class century, and sixth at the Junction Oval. The left-hander started the day unbeaten on 59, but made sure he cashed in on a good batting wicket after coming off scores of 0 and 11 in Victoria's last-start win against NSW.

Harris is hoping to break back into Australia's XI when David Warner bows out of Test cricket in January following the home series against Pakistan.

Concussion sub Campbell Kellaway didn't add to his overnight score of 51 and was out to allrounder Beau Webster.

But Peter Handscomb, who will also be pushing for a Test recall this summer, combined with Harris for a 100-run third-wicket stand to push Victoria closer towards Tasmania's score of 452.

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Mitchell Owen was the pick of Tasmania's bowlers, finishing with figures of 3 for 38 from his 17 overs, dismissing Will Pucovski, captain Will Sutherland and dangerous tailender Mitchell Perry.

Tasmania declined to take the second new ball for an extended period, fearing the hosts might score quicker with a change in Kookaburra. When Harris departed after facing 306 balls, stumped having a charge at Jarrod Freeman, the home side lost their last five wickets for 45.

Tasmania sit atop the ladder following their record-breaking run chase against Queensland last week, as they chase their first Shield title in 11 years.

Victoria entered this match following their first Shield victory of the season, a comfortable triumph over struggling NSW last week after opening with defeats against Western Australia and Queensland.

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