A quick-fire century from opener Marcus Harris has put Western Australia back in contention, opening up a 280-run lead over Victoria at stumps on day four of the Sheffield Shield final.

With a day left to play, WA are 2-240, having earlier on Tuesday looked unlikely to be able to produce a result in the match.

But it was a fiery Harris (129no) who emerged for the second innings to notch up his ton from 107 balls on Tuesday afternoon, meaning the underdogs were still well and truly alive in the five-day decider.

Victoria will win the final with only a draw, while WA need outright victory.

The desperation was clear to see as WA ran hard between wickets and boundaries came thick and fast, with the run rate reaching almost five an over.

Harris first found support from Cameron Bancroft (38) for a 123-run partnership, but the latter was caught out off the bowling of Peter Siddle (1-37).

Michael Klinger (45) then made his way to the middle of Bellerive Oval, to contribute valuable runs, before being caught and bowled by Scott Boland (1-59).

In a blow to the Bushrangers’ attack, Victoria lost paceman James Pattinson just before tea.

The Test hopeful left the ground mid-over appearing to grab his hip or upper leg.

He had just returned from a hamstring strain.

Earlier on Tuesday, Pattinson (13 not out) was the last man standing for Victoria, who were all out for 381, trailing WA’s first-innings total by 40 runs.

They had resumed on 3-288.

Ashton Agar (3-100) and Nathan Rimmington (3-79) did most of the damage, taking five wickets between them on Tuesday.

Harris will resume for WA on Wednesday, along with skipper Adam Voges (15no).