Ed Cowan has posted a solid century to take Tasmania to 6-307 at stumps on an emotional opening day of their Sheffield Shield match versus South Australia.

What appeared to be an admirable performance from the sideline of Bellerive Oval was in fact a sad and lonely experience in the middle, the opener admitted.

The match was preceded by a minute’s silence for South Australian batsman Phillip Hughes, who died after being struck by a bouncer during the previous Shield round.

His teammates on Tuesday formed a tight huddle before taking to the field, black arm bands in place.

“Guys are still grieving, guys are still in shock,” a tearful Cowan told reporters after play.

“That whole range of emotions we felt last week haven’t gone away this week just because we’re playing cricket.”

Cowan removed his helmet and threw up his arms when he reached his 100.

But when asked later he simply described his feelings at the time as “sad” and admitted he hadn’t really cared how many runs he made and had struggled throughout his innings.

“The difficult times are … standing at the non-striker’s end, those times of solitude that usually you enjoy batting, have been the hard times,” Cowan said.

He added that SA should be given credit for having the strength to travel to Hobart for the round five fixture – a decision that was only confirmed on Monday morning.

The visitors performed confidently with the ball, taking the early wicket of Jordan Silk (seven) in the 10th over.

His replacement, former Test batsman Alex Doolan (five), was dismissed lbw six overs later from the bowling of Trent Lawford (2-76).

Cowan found support in captain George Bailey (69).

The pair made a partnership of 145 before Bailey was caught behind just before tea, also off the bowling of Lawford.

Paceman Joe Mennie (3-53) was the pick for SA, claiming the wickets of Cowan (147), Jonathan Wells (43) and James Faulkner (nine).

Tasmania will resume on Wednesday with Ben Dunk (three not out) joined by Ben Hilfenhaus (10 not out).