South Australian pacemen struck three vital blows in a push to defeat Victoria on the final day of the Sheffield Shield match in Adelaide.

The Bushrangers were 5-171 at lunch on Sunday’s last day, still 31 runs behind.

Redbacks quick Joe Mennie (3-18) broke a stubborn 113-run partnership between Cameron White and Marcus Stoinis, dismissing both in a five-over span.

Stoinis (52) was dropped by Michael Klinger at gully but two balls later cracked a pull shot to midwicket where Travis Head took a smart head-high catch.

White (65) fell soon after when Mennie delivered a full slow ball outside off stump which the Victorian drove straight to Tom Cooper at short cover.

SA fast bowler Chadd Sayers (1-24) then claimed the prized scalp of Glenn Maxwell, who was lbw for four just two ball before lunch.

The wickets left David Hussey (20 not out) and Matthew Wade (0 not out) at the crease as the Bushrangers try to avoid a fifth consecutive Shield loss.

A win for the Redbacks will take them to top of the Shield table with two games remaining.

Live scores here.