Hughes blasts 192 and Forrest fires with 141

New South Wales 4 for 413 (Hughes 192, Forrest 141) v South Australia
Scorecard

Phillip Hughes brought up his second century in consecutive matches as New South Wales powered to 4 for 413 against South Australia on the first day. Hughes, who got 149 on Sunday, was dismissed late in the afternoon for 192 while Peter Forrest was a crucial figure with 141 in the run avalanche.

It is a timely streak for Hughes, with the Australian Test team for New Zealand soon to be selected, and it gives the Blues a chance of moving off the bottom of the table. He started strongly, grabbing 10 boundaries in the first hour, and didn't slow for long as many of his runs came between third man and cover.

Hughes struck 24 fours and two sixes during his 259 deliveries before being bowled pushing at Aaron O'Brien, the left-arm spinner. The performance put Hughes in second on the Shield run-scoring list for the summer with 794 at 56.71.

While Hughes purred, Forrest was also in fine touch in the partnership of 265 for the third wicket. Forrest was assured as he built his strong innings, which ended when he was too ambitious and was caught lifting Peter George (2 for 66) to third man. He left with 18 fours and two sixes during his third first-class century.

After the visitors won the toss, Phil Jaques (6) was an early departure when caught behind and Simon Katich (32) also went before lunch. The wickets didn't bother Hughes and he and Forrest gave the Blues a strong start as they attempt to stay in contention for the final. New South Wales are on eight points while the Redbacks are third with 16, but the hosts will begin the second day well behind.