Swepson stars as Bulls pip Victoria in Shield thriller

Spinner Mitch Swepson has boosted his hopes of being picked for Australia's Test tour of Sri Lanka after weaving his magic to lead Queensland to a thrilling 23-run Sheffield Shield win over Victoria at the MCG.

Chasing 273 for victory, Victoria were bowled out for 249 late on day three despite the best efforts of Peter Handscomb (78 off 139 balls).

Swepson was the key player on Sunday, snaring 4-88 from 30 overs to ensure Victoria's run chase spluttered.

Mark Steketee then finished the job, claiming the final two wickets to finish with 3-46.

With Australia set to take a second spinner for the two-Test tour of Sri Lanka in January and February, Swepson's performance was timely.

He was spinning the ball so much on the turning pitch that one crowd member even yelled out, "Is that Shane Warne?" after one particularly impressive delivery.

Queensland resumed play on day three at 8-195 and boasting a lead of 244.

The Bulls added 28 before being bowled out for 223, with Steketee (53) only able to add five runs to his overnight score.

Victoria's chase didn't start well.

Star opener Marcus Harris was out for a two-ball duck when bowled by Tom Straker, and it was 2-26 when Jonathan Merlo edged Steketee behind.

Campbell Kellaway (30) steadied the ship somewhat, but was clean bowled when Swepson got a delivery to turn sharply out of the foot marks.

Swepson nabbed his second scalp when he bowled Tom Rogers for 14, and it was 5-115 when Sam Harper fell to Jack Wildermuth.

Mitchell Perry became the third player to be bowled by Swepson, and Victoria's hopes appeared over when Swepson found an edge from Handscomb to leave the home side 7-183.

But there were more twists and turns to come, with Victoria bravely fighting to 8-246 as Sam Elliott (30), Xavier Crone (28) and Fergus O'Neill (13) added handy runs.

Victoria needed 27 more runs for victory with two wickets in hand, but when Steketee had O'Neill caught at gully and then trapped Crone plumb in front a short time later, it sparked wild celebrations among the Bulls.

Steketee was named man of the match for his scores of 44no and 53 to go with his bowling returns of 3-32 and 3-46.