Jaques runs into early form with 162 not out

New South Wales 4 for 277 (Jaques 162*, Cowan 49, Adcock 3-41) trail South Australia 9 for 399 dec (Deitz 100*, Ferguson 63, Harris 53, Nicholson 3-84) by 122 runs
Scorecard

Phil Jaques made the perfect start in his push for a berth in Australia's Test team with an unbeaten 162 against South Australia at the SCG. New South Wales relied on a declaration from the Redbacks to end their first innings at 399, a total boosted by Shane Deitz's century, but the home side was in a strong position at 4 for 277 at stumps after another mostly overcast day.

Jaques, who is trying to bust up the long-term partnership of Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer, was in strong form against a three-pronged fast-bowling attack of Jason Gillespie, Shaun Tait and Paul Rofe. He absorbed the early pressure on a slowish surface and eased towards his eighth century for the Blues. Unsatisfied with reaching three-figures, he pushed on past 150 late in the day, striking 18 fours from his 209 balls.

Ed Cowan made a bright 49 on his return to the side before departing to a fine one-handed take from Daniel Harris at slip. Dominic Thornely added 40, but he was another victim of the spin of Nathan Adcock, who also struck on the final ball of the day to remove Aaron O'Brien for 9. Adcock finished with 3 for 41 while Tait was the other wicket-taker after picking up Greg Mail in his first spell.

South Australia re-started at 6 for 263 and enjoyed a number of handy contributions from the tail while Deitz powered towards his fifth first-class hundred and Darren Lehmann's declaration. Deitz took 15 from a Stuart MacGill over but faced a nervous period as he was five runs short of the milestone when the No. 11 Tait arrived. MacGill went wicket-less today while the debutant Moises Henriques added a second victim when he won an lbw decision against Jason Gillespie.