Dumped Test batsman Phil Hughes will have national selectors on high alert as he continues to build on a colossal century for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield clash with Western Australia at Adelaide Oval.

Enduring a flat and lifeless batting track, Hughes is well on course for a double ton as he stands unbeaten on 158 with the Redbacks 1-348 at tea on day three as they look to reel in the Warriors’ first-innings score of 434.

The 24-year-old has received a valuable contribution from promising Australian under-19 representative and fellow left-hander Travis Head (51 not out) who notched his eighth first-class 50 on the stroke of the afternoon break.

Hughes had earlier combined with former Redbacks skipper Michael Klinger for a record fourth-highest opening stand by SA batsmen.

The duo smashed 253 runs between them before Klinger departed for 125 after being caught and bowled by Warriors speedster Ryan Duffield (1-69).

The hosts, who started the third day’s play on 0-148, trail Western Australia by 86 runs.

Klinger notched his ninth ton for the Redbacks and 16th first-class hundred overall with half an hour to spare before lunch.

In the process he pushed his side’s total above 200 and gave South Australia their ninth 200-plus opening partnership in Shield cricket.

Hughes eventually recorded his milestone when he hooked a short delivery away to the boundary on the last ball before lunch was called.

Shortly after the interval Klinger was dismissed when he edged slightly onto his pads, causing the ball to pop up back into the hands of Duffield.

New man at the crease, Head, ensured the Redbacks would not lose momentum with an aggressive approach.

The 19-year-old has fired seven boundaries from only 71 balls faced.