Cooper ton puts South Australia on top

South Australia 4 for 278 (Cooper 156*, Botha 53*) v Queensland
Scorecard

An unbeaten century from Tom Cooper put South Australia in control on the first day of their Sheffield Shield match against Queensland at the Gabba. Sent in to bat by James Hopes, the Redbacks lost two early wickets - both to Hopes himself - but recovered to reach 4 for 278 at stumps with Cooper still at the crease on 156 and Johan Botha on 53.

Cooper's second hundred of the Shield season, and the fourth of his first-class career, moved him into top spot on the run tally this summer. He struck 18 fours and one six during his 259 balls at the crease and his effort was all the more impressive after he came to the crease with his team in trouble at 2 for 13.

Hopes had Michael Klinger caught behind for 1 and then picked up Travis Head for a golden duck next ball. However, Cooper and opener Sam Raphael put on 92 for the third wicket to lead the recovery before Raphael was lbw to Luke Feldman for 39.

Callum Ferguson was caught behind off Ben Cutting for 19 to keep Queensland in the contest but Botha and Cooper turned things South Australia's way with their unbeaten 126-run stand. South Australia are on top of the Shield table and victory in this match would go a long way to earning them a place in the final.