Victoria 341 and 1 for 17 trail Western Australia 9 for 519 dec (Marsh 214, Philippe, Inglis 58, Stoinis 56, Pattinson 4-117) by 161 runs

Shaun Marsh's career-best 214, his maiden double century, built Western Australia a commanding lead over Victoria on the third day at the WACA.

Marsh was unbeaten on 101 overnight and more than double his total before falling to James Pattinson as the home side declared 178 in front.

They were able to take a key wicket before bad light brought an early stumps, when Marcus Harris was squared up and edged to slip off Jhye Richardson, to leave Victoria facing a battle to secure a draw.

Josh Philippe, who added 142 with Marsh, and Josh Inglis contributed half-centuries after Western Australia had resumed on 4 for 256.

Marsh, who is captaining Western Australia following the broken hand suffered by his brother Mitchell, went past his previous best if 182 and reached the double from 409 balls with a boundary off Scott Boland.

He was eventually caught at slip off Pattinson who claimed some late reward for another day of toil for Victoria's quicks after the flat pitch they encountered at Junction Oval last week.

Ashton Agar was well caught in the gully by Glenn Maxwell and Richardson top edged his second ball to the keeper. On a day where Mitchell Starc took another four wickets, Pattinson ended with 4 for 117 in the race to be the third quick against Pakistan at the Gabba.