Vics edge towards another win

Victoria need 102 runs with eight wickets in hand to claim a JLT Sheffield Shield victory against South Australia after a James Pattinson-inspired bowling performance at the MCG.

Pattinson ripped through the Redbacks' top order on Monday's third day before a stubborn late fightback led by tailender Chadd Sayers.

The visitors were bowled out for 230 in their second innings.

Chasing a target of 124 to win, Victoria lost Marcus Harris (7) and first-innings century-maker Peter Handscomb (2), during a tricky 12-over period before stumps.

Travis Dean (10) and Cameron White (2) were able to guide their side to 2-22 at the close of play.

In his first Shield game since the 2016/17 final and back surgery last November, Pattinson had figures of 3-24 from nine overs in the Redbacks' second innings.

"I only bowled a few overs so I'm feeling good," Pattinson told AAP.

"It's not bad for my first game back ... it was handy to get a few wickets and I'm feeling as good as I could be, I suppose.

"I'm bowling at about 85-90 per cent - I just wanted to ease into it - so far so good.

"It's good to contribute to the team ... and for me, it's just about playing and building up each game."

Opener Conor McInerney made 63 off 146 balls and Sayers (56) scored the first half-century of his first-class career to frustrate the home side.

But Pattinson, targeting a Test return in next year's Ashes series, was the story of the day.

He claimed the prized wicket of South Australian danger man Callum Ferguson (17) before lunch with a searing quicker ball that clattered into his off stump.

With his side in trouble at 2-43, SA skipper Jake Lehmann combined with McInerney to steady the ship, moving the score to 2-111.

But Pattinson made the breakthrough, Lehmann caught by Travis Dean at gully on 22.

"Obviously, I'd like to play in the Ashes ... everything I do isn't planned for that. It's just that I'd like to be involved," Pattinson said.

"It's just about getting performances on the board now to get selected ... I'm trying not to think too far ahead."

Melbourne's volatile spring weather might be a factor on Tuesday.

Rain and thunderstorms are forecast with the top-of-the-table Vics chasing a third-outright win in a row on a final-day pitch.

Fresh from back-to-back centuries, Tom Cooper strode to the crease but chopped a Pattinson delivery onto his stumps to depart for a duck.

Victoria were bowled out on Monday for 351 with a first-innings lead of 107 just 20 minutes after the resumption of play.

Handscomb (123 off 216 balls) turned the match in his side's favour with a gutsy century but he was dismissed with the first ball he faced on Monday morning.

SA won the toss but were all out for 244 on day one with Scott Boland (7-54 from 17 overs) doing the damage.

Victoria: Peter Handscomb (c), Fawad Ahmed, Scott Boland, Travis Dean, Seb Gotch, Marcus Harris, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Matthew Short, Chris Tremain, Cameron White, Eammon Vines (12th man)

South Australia: Jake Lehmann (c), Tom Cooper, Callum Ferguson, Conor McInerney, Joe Mennie, Harry Nielsen, Lloyd Pope, Chadd Sayers, Cameron Valente, Jake Weatherald, Nick Winter, Kane Richardson (12th man)