Marsh brothers strong as old face adds to Test case

Shaun Marsh’s unbeaten march towards a ton was the highlight of another rough day for Australia’s Test batting hopefuls in the Sheffield Shield.

The under-fire veteran survived to stumps in Western Australia’s chase against South Australia at Adelaide Oval and will have his eyes on a century and a victory when the final day begins on Monday.

Set 313 to win, WA are 4-146 after Marsh built a partnership with his brother Mitch before the younger sibling fell for 44.

The brothers put on 83 runs for the third wicket in a promising tune-up for the Test series against India starting on December 6.

Mitch was well-set, hitting six fours and a six, when bowled by Redbacks quick Daniel Worrall.

Shaun cracked nine fours and two sixes as he passed 100 balls faced just before the close of play.

Unlikely old face puts his hand up

A half-century to opener Alex Doolan helped drag Tasmania back into the their Sheffield Shield contest against Victoria in Hobart.

The Tigers were 2-196 in their second innings at stumps on day two, trailing by five runs.

Doolan appeared on track for a second Shield ton in four matches but late in the third session slashed Peter Siddle to slip and was dismissed for 94.

Doolan, who played four Tests in 2014, sits atop the Shield run tally and is mounting a strong case for a recall this summer.

“People have started talking about it,” Doolan told reporters.

“But ultimately, as top-order batsmen, we’re judged on our hundreds’ column and I’ve fallen short on that over the last two weeks.

“I’m pleased with the way it’s going. However, to get out last week in Sydney on 90 chasing the game, and again today in the 90s when we’re setting up the game, is really disappointing personally.”

He shared a 170-run opening partnership with Jordan Silk (77 not out), with the pair batting through the second session largely untroubled.

It was a marked batting reversal for the Tigers, who were routed for just 81 in a session and a bit on day one at Bellerive Oval.

Victoria posted 282 in reply on Sunday, after resuming at 5-148.

Siddle and Jon Holland shared a 50-run stand for the final wicket to set up a massive 201-run first innings lead.

Test aspirant Peter Handscomb failed with four but will likely get another bat to make amends.

Queenslanders struggle to build their case

Matt Renshaw bombed his baggy-green audition as NSW close in on victory in their Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland in Canberra.

Renshaw looked despondent as he trudged off Manuka Oval after going for just six to leave the Bulls struggling at 2-51 at stumps on day three after being set 380 for victory.

Dismissed for just 21 in the first innings, the Queensland opener threw his wicket away when he slashed at a short and wide Josh Hazlewood delivery to be caught behind.

The pain on Renshaw’s face was obvious after being given a chance to push for an Australian recall for next month’s first Test against India.

Test incumbent Marnus Labuschagne faired no better, also caught behind by Nevill for four, off the bowling of Australian quick Mitchell Starc.

Labuschagne, coming in at No.3, had hit a patient 52 in the first innings.

An outside chance for a Test berth, Joe Burns (37 not out) will hope to stave off the Blues on day four.

with AAP