Victoria thunder to victory before storm

Victoria 271 and 6 for 184 (White 48*) defeated Western Australia 142 and 312 by four wickets
Scorecard

Cameron White on his way to a vital unbeaten 48 © Getty Images

Victoria recovered from the danger of losing two early wickets and narrowly missed a thunderstorm to secure a first-up victory over Western Australia at the WACA. Resuming on 4 for 86, the Bushrangers suffered a horror start when David Hussey hit the first ball of the day for four and top-edged the second, an attempted pull off Brad Williams, to the wicketkeeper Ryan Campbell.

Nick Jewell fell shortly after to Brett Dorey, but Cameron White, who made 48, and Jon Moss steered their side to safety with a 71-run stand that finished moments before a heavy shower hit the ground. Moss, the Man of the Match due to his eight wickets and first-innings 58, attempted to thrash a four from the first three balls of the final over and eventually struck a two to finish on 25.

"I was probably the most nervous for the whole match when 'Mossy' played and missed those first three balls," White, the Victoria captain, told AAP. "I just knew it was the last over." Victoria claimed six points for the outright victory and White said it was "a nice way to start the season".

Mike Hussey, the brother of David and the Western Australia captain, was disappointed with the result but pleased the side had a chance to win on the final day. "We know we need to improve," he said, "but I know we can."