MARCUS Harris has sent a statement to Test selectors with his day one ton against Queensland, as the Sheffield Shield resumed on Thursday. The newly crowned Victorian one-day captain was in an aggressive mood at the MCG, taking toll atop the order with his side sent in to bat.

His 148-ball innings, which was constructed amid the buildup to Australia’s first of four Tests in India, served a reminder as to just why the dashing left-hander has so often featured amongst the national squad – even as recently as this summer.

Harris reached triple figures with a stylish straight drive for four off Queensland quick Xavier Bartlett, but did not add to his score of an even 100 before holing out off spinner Matt Kuhnemann. His efforts helped the hosts to an ongoing first innings score of 6-282.

The centurion was complimented well by a patient supporting hand from Ashley Chandrasinghe (67 off 186), as the pair notched up the sole partnership in excess of 100 runs on day one. Both fell to Kuhnemann, who ended up with figures of 2-55 off 21 overs.

Key wickets as they were, Mark Steketee (2-55) also made a pair of crucial breakthroughs in the final five overs to set up a nice bit of momentum for the visitors heading into stumps. The seamer castled Matt Short (27) and snared Mitchell Perry for a duck amid a fruitful closing spell.

The tumbling of late wickets came contrarily to more sporadic breakthroughs throughout the day. Most Victorian batters got starts, from Harris and Chandrasinghe, to Campbell Kellaway (41) and Short. Stand-in skipper Will Sutherland (26) and keeper Sam Harper (4) will resume at the crease on day two.

SCORECARD

DAY ONE

Toss: Queensland won the toss and elected to bowl.
Score: Victoria 6-282 (95) at stumps.
Not-out batters: Will Sutherland 26 (26), Sam Harper (4)

KEY PLAYERS

Victoria:
Marcus Harris 100 (148), Ashley Chandrasinghe 67 (186), Campbell Kellaway 41 (122)

Queensland:
Mark Steketee 2-55 (22), Matt Kuhnemann 2-55 (21), Liam Guthrie 1-46 (12)