Peter Handscomb has defied NSW's star-studded attack, posting an unbeaten century to help Victoria reach 4-254 at tea on day four of the Sheffield Shield clash at Bankstown Oval.
The captain's knock of 113 not out from Handscomb fashioned an 80-run lead for his side.
There is one session remaining in the rain-marred contest, meaning the game will peter out to a draw unless the Blues can ignite a chaotic collapse.
Handscomb reached three figures in 251 deliveries, having entered the fray at 1-73 and exhibited steely determination against Test bowlers Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon.
Handscomb's first Shield century of the season came some 783 days after he last donned the baggy green.
The composed 29-year-old batted cautiously on a pitch that offered limited assistance for Cummins, Lyon, Trent Copeland, Sean Abbott, Harry Conway and Moises Henriques, knowing his dismissal could swiftly shift momentum.
Lyon dismissed openers Marcus Harris (34) and Nic Maddinson (61) in the Vics' second innings, which has already spanned 121 overs.
Copeland ended Sunday's morning session by trapping Matt Short lbw with the second new ball.
Cummins reduced Victoria to 4-203 soon after the meal break, when Jake Fraser-McGurk's expansive drive resulted in an edge that flew to Copeland at first slip.
But Handscomb and Seb Gotch (21 not out) dug in.
