Victoria 6 for 282 (Harris 100, Chandrasinghe 67, Steketee 2-55, Kuhnemann 2-55) vs Queensland
Former Test opener Marcus Harris made a statement with a century to lead a resolute Victoria batting effort on day one against Queensland as the Sheffield Season resumed after a two-month break.
Harris, who has played 14 Tests, starred after Victoria were sent in at the MCG with a fluent 148-ball knock to defy a strong Queensland attack.
As the first Test in India got underway, the left-handed Harris issued a reminder to selectors having spent the home Test summer part of Australia's squad but unable to crack the line-up.
Harris was in an aggressive mood, particularly against left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann who he hit for six over deep midwicket after lunch. He also unleashed reverse sweeps before hitting his ton conventionally with a beautiful straight drive off seamer Xavier Bartlett.
But Harris didn't add to his score and holed out off a long hop from Kuhnemann to trudge off disappointed at throwing his wicket away.
He had combined in a 119-run second-wicket partnership with 21-year-old Ashley Chandrasinghe, who earlier in the season made a century in his first-class debut against Tasmania.
A watchful Chandrasinghe played a support role to Harris and endured sharp bowling from quicks Mark Steketee and Michael Neser before tea.
He reached his half-century in style with a boundary before falling to Kuhnemann lbw. It triggered a late collapse for Victoria, who lost four wickets in the final session after threatening to take control.
Their hopes of a formidable first innings total rests on stand-in captain Will Sutherland, who played aggressively before the close, and wicketkeeper-batter Sam Harper.
News broke during the day that the 26-year-old Harper is set to be traded from BBL franchise Melbourne Renegades to crosstown rivals Stars in a swap with legspinner Adam Zampa.
Queensland showed signs of weariness just five days after Brisbane Heat's barnstorming run to the BBL final ended in heartbreak against Perth Scorchers.
Five players backed up from that Optus Stadium epic, including Kuhnemann who conjured bounce and spin as the day wore on to finish with 2 for 55 from 21 overs.
Queensland had for long stretches been left frustrated with several edges falling short of slips, but their toil was rewarded in the final session with hardworking Steketee claiming the wickets of Matt Short, the BBL player of the season, and Mitchell Perry.
Former Western Australia quick Liam Guthrie struck early in his Bulls debut when he dismissed opener Travis Dean for six in the only wicket of the first session.
The match heralds the return of the Shield after a lengthy break due to the BBL season.
Teams have already played six of 10 matches with Queensland equal second on 21 points, while fourth-placed Victoria are on 16 points and within striking distance of a final's spot granted to the top two teams on the ladder.
Defending champions Western Australia are the runaway leaders with 32 points and restart their season on Friday against South Australia at Adelaide Oval.
