Macdonald, Handscomb and Hardie cash in on flat MCG pitch

Only eight wickets have fallen across two days in cricket's MCG return, a stark contrast to the Ashes dramas of last summer.

Western Australia did not lose a wicket in the late session on Thursday, reaching 3-185 to leave their Sheffield Shield match against Victoria evenly poised.

"It's pretty nice for batting out there - a little bit in it with the new ball," Macdonald said.

"But then after that, it's pretty hard work for the bowlers, not a lot doing at the moment.

"Hopefully it starts breaking up over the next couple of days and we can push for a win late on day four."

Hardie was on 61 from 116 balls and Wasley had scored 41 in his 108-ball knock.

This is Macdonald's first Shield game of the season and playing WA at the MCG clearly agrees with him.

His only other Sheffield Shield ton was an unbeaten 109 last December, when he guided Victoria to a win over WA at the same venue.

"Batting with Pete for the whole time ... it was pretty awesome," Macdonald said.

"I'm sure I will remember that at the end of my career."

West Australian spinner Corey Rocchiccioli took 2-70 from 22 overs.