Maxwell challenged to keep runs coming

Victoria coach Andrew McDonald has challenged Glenn Maxwell to back up his brilliant JLT Sheffield Shield double century with more runs against Western Australia.

Maxwell smashed a superb 278 in last week's drawn match against New South Wales to pile the pressure on Australia's Test selectors.

The 29-year-old came close to a recall when he was flown to Brisbane ahead of the first Ashes Test as injury cover for Shaun Marsh.

But he was released to play against the Blues at North Sydney Oval where he strengthened his claims on the No.6 Test spot.

"It might just be that breakthrough innings that sets him off on the right direction," McDonald said.

"He was super impressive but the challenge for Maxy now is to back it up.

"We've spoken about that leading into this game and he's really keen to cash in on that good form."

The last-placed Bushrangers host WA at the MCG starting Sunday and will be desperate to record their first win of the season before the Shield competition takes a break for the Big Bash League.

With heavy rain forecast in Melbourne over the weekend, McDonald will wait until a pitch inspection on Sunday morning before confirming his final 11.

But he revealed former Test quick Peter Siddle will be rested after making a successful comeback from a long-term injury layoff. Spinner Fawad Ahmen comes in for the paceman, while Eamonn Vines has made way for Daniel Christian in the Bushrangers' 12-player squad.

"He's been outstanding from where he's come from ... he's played a lot of cricket on the back of not much cricket over the last couple of years," McDonald said.

"It's really great to see him back up and running.

"But it's a 10-game season - you don't win too many titles before Christmas.

"With his recent history with his back we're just making sure we get everything right. We want him up and fresh at the back end of the season pushing to potentially play in another Shield final."

Victoria Bushrangers: Aaron Finch (c), Fawad Ahmed, Scott Boland, Dan Christian, Travis Dean, Seb Gotch, Marcus Harris, Jon Holland, Matthew Short, Glenn Maxwell, Chris Tremain, Cameron White.

Western Warriors: Mitch Marsh (c), Ashton Turner (vc), Will Bosisto, Hilton Cartwright, Andrew Holder, Josh Inglis, Matt Kelly, Simon Mackin, Jhye Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Marcus Stoinis, Jonathan Wells. 

NSW Blues: Moises Henriques (c), Sean Abbott, Doug Bollinger, Harry Conway, Trent Copeland, Ed Cowan, Daniel Hughes, Nick Larkin, Nic Maddinson, Peter Nevill, Stephen O’Keefe, Kurtis Patterson.

Tasmanian Tigers:  George Bailey (c), Gabe Bell, Alex Doolan , Jake Doran, Ben Mcdermott, Riley Meredith, Simon Milenko, Sam Rainbird, Tom Rogers, Jordan Silk, Matthew Wade, Beau Webster.

South Australia: Travis Head (c), Alex Carey, Tom Cooper, John Dalton, Callum Ferguson, David Grant, Jake Lehmann, Joe Mennie, Elliot Opie, Alex Ross, Cameron Valente, Jake Weatherald, Adam Zampa.

Queensland Bulls: Jimmy Peirson (c), Joe Burns, Brendan Doggett, Luke Feldman, Cameron Gannon, Sam Heazlett, Charlie Hemphrey, Marnus Labuschagne, Matthew Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Mitch Swepson, Jack Wildermuth