MELBOURNE, Feb 17: Tasmanian opening bowler David Saker was the star against his old state as Victoria reached 257 for six on day one of their Inter-state cricket match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground Sunday.

Saker snared 4-53 from 26 overs and also passed 50 wickets for Tasmania in first-class matches.

He broke up a 100-run fourth wicket stand between Brad Hodge and Ian Harvey, bowling Hodge for 85.

Saker took another two wickets in the next 13 balls, bowling Andrew McDonald for a duck and having Cameron White caught in slips for three.

Victorian skipper and former Test opening batsman Matthew Elliott made 64 after winning the toss and Harvey was on 65, with Darren Berry the other unbeaten batsman on 13.

In Perth, Western Australia were well placed to complete an outright victory over New South Wales at the WACA Ground.

Western Australian captain Simon Katich made a controversial decision not to enforce the follow-on after his side dismissed New South Wales for a first innings 253, leaving them trailing by 247.

In their second knock, Western Australia declared with 158 for six, leaving New South Wales with an improbable victory target of 406 from 106 overs.

New South Wales went to stumps on the third day at 26 without loss in their second innings, needing another 380 runs on the final day Monday.—AFP