Former Test opener Phil Hughes has hit an unbeaten 52 to spearhead South Australia’s pursuit of Victoria’s 346 on day two of the Sheffield Shield clash at the MCG.

South Australia reached 1-108 at tea on Saturday after Hughes added 80 for the first wicket with Sam Raphael (38). Michael Klinger was unbeaten on 13.

Hughes punished anything loose outside off stump, driving and cutting with his usual flair to strike nine boundaries off 88 deliveries.

The 23-year-old left-hander has scored over 400 runs in Shield cricket this season in fewer than five completed matches.

Raphael gave a half-chance to gully on 23 and another to second slip on 34. Both were off the bowling of John Hastings, who eventually claimed Raphael caught at fine leg.

Victoria were bowled out for 346 after resuming on 6-259.

Skipper Cameron White top-scored with 88, losing his wicket to Putland from the first delivery of the second day’s play.

No.8 batsman Hastings smashed 80 off 98 balls including 11 fours and two sixes.

Left-arm swing bowler Gary Putland (7-64 off 36 overs) claimed a five-wicket haul for the fifth time in just 15 first-class games.

The 26-year-old Putland has taken 14 wickets at 20.85 in three Shield appearances this season.