A tenacious ton by Callum Ferguson helped South Australia to 5-256 against Queensland on Tuesday’s opening day of the Sheffield Shield match in Adelaide.
Ferguson arrived with the Redbacks a perilous 2-29 but was unbeaten on 115 at stumps.
Queensland captain James Hopes (2-52) struck early blows, including dismissing Test hopeful Phil Hughes for eight.
Hughes was harshly given out lbw to a ball appearing on a path above stump-high, denying the left-hander a chance to press his claims for Australia’s three-Test series against world No.1 South Africa starting November 9.
Hopes also soon rid third-gamer Sam Miller (eight) and the Redbacks, winless in 18 Shield games dating back to November 2010, were wobbling again.
But Ferguson tempered his usual dash with a century of substance, batting more than six hours, facing 249 deliveries and hitting 10 fours.
The 27-year-old initially combined with Michael Klinger for a 64-run stand which steadied the home side.
But the partnership ended when Klinger, seemingly set on 48, chopped a short Ben Cutting delivery into his stumps.
Ferguson then put on 57 runs with 19-year-old Travis Head, who cruised to 22 before being caught at short cover from the offspin of Nathan Hauritz (1-73 from 20 overs).
Redbacks allrounder Dan Christian contributed 14 but was bowled as Cutting (2-46) claimed his second victim.
But Ferguson and wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Ludeman (33 not out) progressed untroubled until stumps.