Brad Haddin was a man on a mission as he scored his only first-class century in almost two years to spearhead a NSW revival on day one of the Sheffield Shield cricket match at Bankstown Oval on Wednesday.

The Blues were 2-1 and 3-7, but two fifty-run partnerships and a 168-run sixth-wicket stand between Haddin (114) and Moises Henriques (83 not out) lifted them to 7-302 by stumps.

Australian representative Haddin’s last first-class century was against England in Brisbane in November 2010 in the opening Test of the Ashes series.

Haddin struggled for form in Australia last summer and was rested during the one-day tri-series, although he later came out and said he had been dropped.

He returned from the Australian Test tour of the West Indies earlier this year after his young daughter Mia fell seriously ill.

Matthew Wade took over the wicketkeeping duties in the West Indies, but Haddin showed on Wednesday he still had plenty to offer.

In front of a surprisingly big crowd of 1207 including Australian selector Rod Marsh, Haddin displayed his trademark aggression.

He played numerous attractive well-timed shots around the ground.

Haddin struck 14 fours and two sixes before miscuing a pull shot off Jackson Bird (3-59) to Luke Butterworth at midwicket.

He didn’t want to talk to the media after his innings, but friend and foe were glowing in their assessment of his performance.

“He was a man on a mission today and I don’t think anyone was going to get him out before 100,” Henriques said.

“I think just with obviously what’s going on with his family, he’s used that as inspiration.

“He’s worked really hard with the squad over the last three months and he deserved everything he got out there today.

“He’s as hungry as he’s ever been.”

In-form Henriques followed up scores of 78 in both the one and four day fixtures against Western Australia with another fluent innings.

Michael Clarke (37) and Steve Smith (64) started the fightback with a partnership of 57 and Smith and Haddin added 60.

Clark batted fluently while Smith was unfortunate to be run out after backing up too far after bowler James Faulkner deflected the ball onto the stumps.

Former Bankstown player Bird triggered the Blues early batting woes.

Last season’s Sheffield Shield rookie of the year had Peter Nevill (1) lbw with his first ball and then caught Scott Henry (0) in the slips off Luke Butterworth.

Bird then had Nic Maddinson (0) caught in the slips by Ricky Ponting and didn’t concede a run until his 21st delivery.

Butterworth, Mark Cosgrove and Adam Maher each chipped in with a wicket.