Victoria opener Rob Quiney found the nervous 90s too much to handle in the top-of-the-table Sheffield Shield clash with Western Australia at the WACA Ground.

Quiney was on track to post his 10th first-class century after overcoming two earlier scares to move into the 90s.

But the two-Test batsman was only able to add two more runs over the next 30 minutes before spooning a catch to backward point off the bowling of spinner Ashton Agar.

Victoria went to stumps on day one at 6-315, with Matthew Wade (52 not out) and John Hastings (20 not out) at the crease.

The Bushrangers were cruising at 0-118 following strong starts from Marcus Stoinis (58) and Quiney, but three quick wickets to paceman Michael Hogan left the visitors vulnerable at 3-118.

But Aaron Finch (53) resisted Hogan’s onslaught with a 46-ball half-century, while Quiney’s cool head ensured Victoria grabbed back the momentum.

Quiney was given a life on 14 when Cameron Bancroft dropped a sharp chance at third slip.

And he was given another reprieve on 44 when his edge off Nathan Rimmington flew untouched between wicketkeeper Sam Whiteman and first slip Adam Voges.

But his luck deserted him in the 90s, with Quiney nervously scratching around for 20 balls before falling to Agar.

Hogan finished the day with 3-56 from 20 overs.

Victoria were dealt a big blow on Monday when in-form batsman Peter Handscomb injured his finger at training and was ruled out of the match.

Handscomb had been in hot form this season, cracking 348 runs at an average of 116.

His late withdrawal paved the way for Stoinis to return to the side after overcoming an ankle injury.

Quiney now has 26 half-centuries but only nine tons to his name in first-class cricket.

“I thought I had a boundary ball opportunity, and unfortunately I hit it to my ex-teammate Maxy Klinger. It’s a bit of a shame but it’s my own fault,” Quiney said.

“I’ve got plenty of 50s and not enough conversions unfortunately.

“That’s one of the negative parts of my game, but I’m still giving it a crack and hopefully I can turn it around in the next 18 months.

“I’ve just got to get the job done so hopefully the next time I’m in that position I can grind it out and let the other boys make quicker runs.”