It doesn't seem to matter which national representative Victoria leave out of their XI, because the players they are picking are doing the job.

Last week it was Glenn Maxwell, on Friday it was Aaron Finch, and on both occasions the outcome was the same.

With Maxwell recalled following his controversial omission for the Bushrangers' Sheffield Shield opener against Tasmania last week, and Marcus Stoinis back from injury, Finch was dropped for the clash with Queensland at the MCG that began on Friday. Peter Siddle - called up to Australia's Test side - was the other change from the team that beat the Tigers.

Bowling first after Queensland won the toss, the Bushrangers took control immediately as the Bulls' top order collapsed at the MCG. Joe Burns was bowled by Scott Boland for four while Chris Tremain took three wickets in his first five overs, with Queensland tumbling to 4-11. Sam Heazlett and Jack Wildermuth embarked on a rescue mission, putting on 62 for the fifth wicket before Jon Holland struck to remove Wildermuth for 20 shortly before lunch. Resuming at 5-81 after the interval, Queensland soon capitulated further. Holland cleaned up the tail, taking 4/32 as the Bulls were routed for 137. Heazlett top-scored with 51.

Victoria were in early trouble as Travis Dean and Marcus Stoinis fell for 0 and 4 respectively. But Marcus Harris and Peter Handscomb were in no mood for submission. Harris (75) continued his excellent start for his new state combining with Handscomb (60) to put on 130 for the third wicket. Both fell late in the day, as did Matthew Wade (4).

The late flurry of wickets brought Maxwell to the crease. Any concerns that his omission might have changed his style were allayed when he lofted the first ball he faced to the third man boundary. Maxwell (6) and Cameron White (1) were not out at stumps, Victoria 16 runs ahead with five wickets in hand.