Sheffield Shield series, Melbourne: Finch, Maxwell fight but South Australia stay on top

Victoria 118 and 8 for 353 (Finch 97, Maxwell 82, Putland 3-93) lead South Australia 343 by 128 runs

Aaron Finch played a important innings of 97 for Victoria against South Australia

Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell put together a solid fight on the third day to avoid an innings defeat against South Australia. Aaron Finch scored a brilliant 97, and Maxwell scored a valuable 82 to put Victoria in a commanding position. However late strike from South Australia bowlers reduced Victoria to 353/8, leading South Australia by 118 runs.

Victoria, who resumed the day at 78/0, lost wickets at regular intervals. However Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell offered resistance to the South Australian attack and helped Victoria to avoid innings defeat. Finch, who has been an outstanding batsmen in limited overs cricket, reproduced the same kind of performance in the longer format and scored a brilliant 97. Finch has not scored a first class hundred since July 2011 against Zimbabwe, where he made 122.

He adapted to the longer format really well and showed patience in his innings. He was so fluent in his innings, but he was caught by Cooper off Richardson for a well-made 97. On the other hand, Maxwell scored at a good tempo 82(121), but he was also dismissed at a crucial juncture.

South Australia on the fourth day will certainly push for victory with just two wickets to wrap up Victoria innings and subsequently chase down the target with ease.