Joel Curtis, Ashton Agar help Western Australia to triple-figure lead in Sheffield Shield clash with Victoria

A maiden first-class ton by Joel Curtis and bravery from injured all-rounder Ashton Agar has helped Western Australia post a triple-figure run chase for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield. The reigning champions finished the penultimate day on Sunday in strife with a lead of just 72 runs with three wickets in hand, as the hosts closed in on victory at Junction Oval. After resuming play on Monday on 83 runs, wicketkeeper Curtis raised the bat for his maiden first-class hundred in only his third Shield match, helping WA reach 300 in the second innings. Victoria eventually broke through, with Peter Siddle (1-53) dismissing paceman Brody Couch for 18 runs off 103 balls before spinner Corey Rocchiccioli headed back to the sheds, adding just four runs. Despite nursing a shoulder injury, an uncomfortable Agar bravely headed out into the middle at No.11 with his side 9-310. WA added another 15 runs to the total with Curtis and Agar at the crease, before the latter had his stumps knocked over by Sam Elliot (4-47) without scoring from five deliveries. Curtis remained unbeaten for 119 runs from 239 balls, a remarkable knock that included 16 fours and one six. Prior to scoring 36 in the first innings, the 25-year-old left hander had just one first class run to his name after being dismissed for a first-ball duck and one run in his first two appearances. Fellow seamer Fergus O’Neill finished with 4-56, with spinner Todd Murphy (1-87) and Xavier Crone (1-70) contributing with the ball. It set the hosts a 120 target for victory and the outright lead in the Shield standings, with Ashley Chandrasinghe and Marcus Harris opening for Victoria. The pair shaved six runs from that total without loss before the lunch break.