Brisk Maxwell propels Victoria into ascendancy

A return to form by Glenn Maxwell powered Victoria to 9 for 325 before Matthew Wade's declaration allowed the visitors to see off South Australia's openers in the top-of-the-table Sheffield Shield match under lights at Adelaide Oval.

The Bushrangers top three of Rob Quiney, Travis Dean and Marcus Stoinis made a trio of starts, but it was Maxwell's speedy 79 from 78 balls that allowed the innings to climb above mediocrity.

Maxwell had played wretchedly in the ODI segment of the Australian tour to New Zealand, and will be relieved to have returned to run making despite falling short of a century when he was bowled by Joe Mennie.

Wade, Clint McKay and Chris Tremain also made useful runs down the order, before the declaration left the Redbacks with 12 overs to face before stumps.

Mark Cosgrove began in energetic fashion against Tremain and McKay, before the introduction of another New Zealand tourist in Scott Boland brought a major shudder to the SA innings.

Boland found a way past Tom Cooper and then Cosgrove in his two overs before the end of the night, walking off with the figures of 2 for 5 and leaving Victoria reasonably placed to pressure SA on day two.