WA quick Joel Paris says early wickets on day three will be crucial as his side looks to claim outright victory over Victoria in their Sheffield Shield clash at the WACA Ground.

The hosts sit in prime position after centuries to Josh Inglis and Paris were followed up by a remarkable bowling display today.

WA head in to day three with Victoria teetering at 7-186, trailing by 205 after captain Shaun Marsh declared at 9-391.

“We’ve certainly set the game up nicely with a good first-innings total,” Paris said.

“It would’ve been nice to get another couple and be able to bat early tomorrow but seven down, we would’ve taken that early in our bowling innings. The plan now will be to come out, try and get these three wickets as quick as we can and set up a run chase.”

Earlier, wicket-keeper Inglis (115) continued to press his national credentials as he reached his third century of the season, while Paris (102 not out) produced his maiden first-class ton to lead a stunning fight-back.

The 142-run partnership enabled WA to recover from 5-114 and post a strong first-innings target on a largely docile wicket that started to play the occasional trick.

Inglis raised his bat within the first hour of play after producing a superb crunch backward of point for four, having faced 132 deliveries.

Shortly after reaching the milestone, he was struck viciously on the grille by a Will Sutherland delivery that took off, ricocheted off the handle of his bat and clipped him on the helmet.

Two balls after the blow, Sutherland (4-81) broke the long partnership, disturbing Inglis’ leg stump.

In reply, Victoria overcame the early loss of former WA batsman Marcus Harris for two and looked on track to reach tea with nine wickets in hand.

However, a bowling change by Marsh bore fruit when fast bowler Lance Morris (3-40 off 11 overs) removed both set batsmen in his second over just before the interval.

Opener Travis Dean (38) and captain Peter Handscomb (32) were dismissed within five balls, sparking a collapse of 4-12 that reduced Victoria to 5-85.

Strike bowlers Matt Kelly (2-31 off 14 overs), Paris (1-30 off 14 overs) and Cam Gannon (1-38 off 14 overs) asked questions all afternoon as WA looked to cash in on their upper-hand position.

Sutherland (23) and Scott Boland (20), who bowled a combined 53 overs in the WA innings, were left to rebuild and managed to forge a 43-run stand by stumps.