Classy Marsh puts WA on top as another Test opener falters

A classy Shaun Marsh century has left Western Australia well-placed against Victoria, despite Test opener Cameron Bancroft being dismissed cheaply on day two of Marsh Sheffield Shield dismissal in Perth.

Marsh's 27th first-class ton piloted the hosts to 4-256 at stumps, in reply to Victoria's 341 at the WACA Ground.

The 36-year-old finished the day's play unbeaten on 101, with Marcus Stoinis (56) and Hilton Cartwright (42) also chipping in.

Bancroft lasted just 17 balls before being caught by Marcus Harris at leg gully off the bowling of James Pattinson (1-53).

He was dismissed in the same fashion when he made a first-ball duck in the second innings of WA's opening-round draw with Tasmania.

Victoria's pace attack had a clear intent to target Bancroft's pads and the 26-year-old soon fell into the trap.

Dropped during the Ashes series, Bancroft's vulnerability on the leg side is a major hurdle to his hopes of earning a Test recall.

"He was a bit unlucky to be honest," Marsh said of Bancroft.

"He's going really well, Bangers, hitting the ball well. I've told him not to worry about it too much."

Incumbent openers Harris and David Warner are at short odds to retain their spots for the first Test against Pakistan starting November 21 at the Gabba.

Harris scored 69 in Victoria's first innings but was dismissed in ugly fashion, trapped lbw while playing across the line of a Matt Kelly delivery.

WA reached 2-137 at tea before Marsh, captaining the side in the absence of injured younger brother Mitch, reached his century off 184 balls.

The elder Marsh was dropped twice - first by Chris Tremain at gully on two off the bowling of Scott Boland then by Sam Harper on 51, with the Victorian wicketkeeper unable to hold on to a reasonably difficult chance while diving to his left.

"It was very satisfying," Marsh said.

"I got a bit of luck along the way but it was nice to walk off at the end there and put the team in a reasonably good position if we come out tomorrow morning and play well.

"Obviously they'll come pretty hard at us first thing in the morning so we're going to have to work really hard through the new ball."

Cartwright was also gifted a reprieve when he was dropped by Peter Handscomb at first slip from the off-spin of Glenn Maxwell.

Pattinson, competing with Mitchell Starc for Australia's third Test pace slot, delivered venomous pace and bounce in an excellent opening spell.

Fellow Ashes paceman Peter Siddle snared 2-46.