Young gun Will Pucovski impresses with maiden first-class hundred

Victoria's match against Queensland appears destined for a certain draw thanks to a massive maiden century from Will Pucovski and more batting-friendly conditions at the MCG.

At stumps on day three, Queensland are 0-7 after Victoria declared late in the day at 9-436 to concede a first-innings deficit of 16 runs.

Victoria's innings consumed 154 overs, while Queensland reached their tally in 128 overs.

Pucovski scored his debut first-class century in just his fourth match, eventually being the seventh batsman out having hit 188 in a marathon 414-ball innings.

Knowing a draw would keep Queensland in touching distance on the ladder, Victoria seemed intent on saving the match as their main priority, adding just 46 during a laborious middle session.

The Bushrangers, however, turned up the pace significantly in the final session, with wicketkeeper Seb Gotch scoring 63 in a 124-run stand for the sixth wicket with Pucovski.

The 20-year-old Pucovski earlier shared a crucial 175-run partnership for the fourth wicket with skipper Cameron White (62) after the Vics slipped to 3-59.

Queensland's bowlers struggled for penetration on a low and slow wicket, which resembled that used for the drawn Fourth Ashes Test earlier in the summer.

Queensland entered the round as Sheffield Shield leaders only to be tipped out of top spot by Tasmania's innings' victory on Saturday.