Drew's career-best hundred makes leaders WA toil

A career-best innings from Daniel Drew lifted Sheffield Shield outsiders South Australia to a strong position against runaway leaders Western Australia after the opening day at Adelaide Oval.

Drew remained unbeaten on 160, having posted a second first-class century in eight outings and eclipsing his previous best of 130 in the process.

Entering the fray in the 10th over following Jake Carder's dismissal for 6, Drew looked comfortable throughout, finding the boundary on 18 occasions during a 272-ball knock.

In concert with opener Henry Hunt, Drew featured in the best partnership of the day, leaving the Redbacks sitting pretty at 1 for 171 during the middle session.

WA medium-fast bowler Charlie Stobo led the way on a tough day in the field for the visitors, returning 2 for 40 from 20 overs.

Jake Lehmann contributed a typically breezy 26 before being caught down the leg side, while Thomas Kelly added 39 before he was dismissed late in the day.

Western Australia went into the match with two high-profile inclusions in the form of Marcus Stoinis - playing his first red-ball state match for nearly three years - as well as veteran batter Shaun Marsh for the first time this season.

South Australia, in contrast, were without their Test stars Travis Head and Alex Carey, while paceman David Grant (stress fracture) and long-term opener Jake Weatherald (personal) were also absent.

Holders WA boast four wins from six starts while SA only broke through for their first victory of the season in the final match prior to the mid-summer break.