Hussey the hero for Victoria

A maiden first-class century from Victorian David Hussey guided the Bushrangers to first innings points today and a shot at history in the Pura Cup match against Queensland at the Gabba.

Victoria was in a commanding position at the end of the second day's play with the Bushrangers at 6-351 in response to Queensland's first innings effort of 277.

Hussey, the younger brother of Western Australian batsman Mike Hussey, compiled a hard-hitting 106 off 140 balls which included 20 fours and a six before he was eventually caught behind by Bulls keeper Wade Seccombe off the bowling of Joe Dawes.

The Bushrangers will be hoping to maintain their dominance tomorrow and secure Victoria's first outright victory at the Gabba since 1983 when Ray Bright led the southern visitors to an all-too-rare win.

Victoria's previous outright success in Brisbane before the 1983 win came in February 1965.

Hussey joined opener Jason Arnberger at the crease shortly after the lunch break with the Bushrangers' run chase teetering on the brink at 4-143.

They combined for a 120-run stand to dash Queensland's hopes of claiming first-innings points.

The Bulls were their own worst enemies as both Hussey and Arnberger were dropped off the bowling of Dawes during the second session of play.

Arnberger was eventually dismissed for 89 when he was trapped lbw after shouldering arms to a Shane Jurgensen delivery but the damage was well and truly done.

After passing Queensland's score midway through the final session, Victoria pressed home its advantage with Jon Moss (33 not out) and captain Cameron White (25 not out) helping the Bushrangers build the leads to 74 runs.

The Bulls were in with a chance of stealing first innings points earlier in the day after they snared wickets either side of the lunch break.

Mitchell Johnson picked up the valuable scalp of Brad Hodge for 40 just before the break and Andrew McDonald's departure soon after the resumption of play gave the Bulls a sniff.

However, the initiative was snatched from their grasp by Hussey and Arnberger who played patiently but severely punished some wayward Queensland bowling.

Hussey said he was not overly jubilant despite bringing up his maiden first-class ton.

"I'm a bit disappointed that I didn't go on with it and got out straight after I got the hundred," Hussey said.

"It was good conditions for batting."