Simon Milenko's maiden hundred lifts Tasmania

Simon Milenko scored a brilliant maiden first-class hundred as he hauled Tasmania up to 254 on the opening day against South Australia.

Milenko, who came in at No. 7, hit 100 of the 133 runs made while he was at the crease as first Lawrence Neil-Smith then Gabe Bell hung around with him. He was on 95 when Bell edged to slip, but No. 11 Riley Meredith survived long enough for him to reach three figures before he dragged on against Will Bosisto's second ball of the innings.

Until Milenko's display it was a story of Tasmania's top order wasting starts against some probing bowling from South Australia who had suffered further Shield heartache in the previous match against Western Australia when they lost with eight balls remaining.

Joe Mennie claimed the first three wickets to fall - starting with Jordan Silk who was given lbw padding up after waiting an age for the umpire's decision - then Chadd Sayers trapped George Bailey lbw in what will be his final first-class match before becoming an Australian selector after the BBL.

Jake Doran and Ben McDermott both fell to Wes Agar to leave Tasmania 6 for 150 and seemingly struggling to reach 200.

However, Milenko took charge although it was only after reaching his half-century - which he brought up with a six off Agar - that he changed gears as his second fifty took just 33 deliveries.

Left with 12 overs to face before stumps, Jake Weatherald and Henry Hunt made it through without loss.