Victorian coach Andrew McDonald has challenged Glenn Maxwell to back up his brilliant 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 told AAP.
"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.
"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."
