Ed Cowan struck his fourth first class century this season to give Australian selectors a timely reminder of his talents as Tasmania took a 236-run lead into the final day of their Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia.

Former Test opener Cowan made it back-to-back tons in the match, his 111 not out at Bellerive adding to his 147 from the first innings.

With Chris Rogers failing in the first innings of the first Test against India – after an ordinary series against Pakistan where he averaged just 22, Cowan is certainly applying pressure for a national recall.

At stumps on day three Tasmania were 4-176, the free scoring Cowan scoring the bulk of his side’s runs in a brisk 146-ball knock with 14 boundaries.

Support from his fellow Tigers proved harder to come by.

Fellow opener Jordan Silk (13) was trapped lbw in the 12th over, former Test batsman Alex Doolan (19) was caught behind and skipper George Bailey added 22 before heading back to the sheds, bowled by Joe Mennie (1-51).

Jonathan Wells contributed two before his dismissal on a CJ Sayers (1-33) delivery.

South Australia were earlier all out for 302 in their first innings.

Despite half centuries from Mark Cosgrove (79), Travis Head (64) and skipper Johan Botha (70), the Redbacks couldn’t push closer to the 362 target set by their hosts.

Tasmanian bowlers Andrew Fekete (3-58) and Ben Hilfenhaus (3-75) led the Tigers attack, with the former snaring the crucial wicket of Cosgrove in Thursday’s opening session.

Cowan will return for Friday’s final day along with James Faulkner (five not out).

Cowan’s performances in Hobart come after the 105 at Bellerive against Victoria in November and his 100 against West Australia at the WACA in October.