Maddinson nears ton, Vics eye Shield edge

Victoria's Nic Maddinson is one run short of a 15th first-class century at tea on day three of a hard-fought Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland in Melbourne.

The ladder-leading Vics look set to establish a first innings lead, having reached 7-348 at the interval to be just one run shy of Queensland's 349.

Maddinson has faced 133 balls, hitting 11 fours and one six in his unbeaten 99 at Junction Oval on Sunday.

Maddinson and Matt Short shared a 143-run stand for the fourth wicket before the latter was caught off the bowling of Mark Steketee for 48.

Soon to depart on Australia's tour to Pakistan, Steketee (3-86) inspired a mini collapse by taking three wickets in quick succession as the Vics lost 4-2, having looked indomitable at 3-336.

Eariler, Test opener Marcus Harris, in his final match before the Pakistan tour, and captain Peter Handscomb laid the platform for a big Victorian total only for both to narrowly miss out on centuries, falling for 91 and 92 respectively.

The pair added 180 for the second wicket, having resumed day two at 1-172.