Henry again looking for a testing point with a ton as Harris falls to Starc

Opener Henry Hunt scored a century to rally South Australia’s innings before Queensland hit back with the new ball, leaving honors even after the first day of the Sheffield Shield match in Brisbane.

Hunt remained resolute throughout the match and finished unbeaten on 130 as the visitors reached 7-289.

He completed his ninth first-class century with six despite scoring 236 balls and reaching three figures with careful batting.

Queensland ended a long day at Allan Border Field with scores of 4-24 at one stage in the final hour.

South Australia join Jake Lehmann returning from a 2nd XI century in place of Test star Travis Head ahead of the impending birth of his second child.

There were also changes to the bowling line-up with Liam Scott and Wes Agar replacing Lloyd Pope and Brendan Doggett.

Queensland made two changes for their first home match of the Shield campaign, with injured all-rounder Jack Wildermuth and rest bowler Tom Straker missing. The pair included batter Lachlan Hearn and debutant paceman Tom Whitney.

Marcus Harris could not press his claim for Australia’s vacant starting spot any further as Sean Abbott shone for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield clash with Victoria.

Abbott (4-50) did most of the damage for New South Wales, which sent Victoria to bat at the MCG on Sunday and reduced the hosts’ score to 9-259 at stumps.

Seven wickets fell in the final session, with Victoria losing 5-21 in 12 overs shortly after tea.

But Tom Rogers (31 not out) and Fergus O’Neill (28) led a counter-attack against the new ball to ensure Victoria batted again on day two.

Victorian opener Harris could replace Steve Smith at the top of the order for Australia’s Test series against India, which begins in Perth next month.

The experienced left-hander scored 143 and 52 in the opening match of the season against Tasmania but was dropped out of the game shortly after lunch on Sunday.

Harris, who had previously been injured by a blow to the forearm, was grabbed by the leg of returning pacer Mitchell Starc (1-35).

The 32-year-old hit just one boundary in his 89-ball innings and became the second wicket to fall after opening partner Ashley Chandrasinghe (11) fell cheaply to Abutt.

Peter Handscomb (64) and Campbell Kellaway (55) put on 101 runs for the third wicket before Jackson Bird (1-42) found the breakthrough after tea.

Handscomb hit 10 boundaries in his 112-ball innings before catching Abbott into the safe hands of Smith at second slip.

Abbott also dismissed Sam Harper and Victorian captain Will Sutherland for ducks in an impressive display during which he bowled more overs (20) than any other NSW bowler.

Test spinner Nathan Lyon took 1-60 from his 19 overs.

A rain-soaked opening day of the Sheffield Shield final rematch produced some bright spots as Tasmania cruised to 5-158 against Western Australia in Perth.

Leaden skies and several rain breaks eventually gave way to an early finish and Jake Doran produced an unbeaten half-century to keep the visitors’ innings at bay.

Tasmania were sent to bat on a very green WACA wicket but came out strongly against the new ball, losing only Caleb Jewell (18) within the first hour.

It was off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli who caused damage to the wickets of Jake Weatherald (43) and captain Jordan Silk (1) just before lunch.

Rocchiccioli, Western Australia’s leading wicket-taker last season, immediately caused problems with his sharp turn and trademark bounce, finishing the day with 2-41 from 16 overs.

Wicket-keeper and batsman Doran remained defiant, scoring 59 balls and 78 not out.

Charlie Wakim (30) and prolific Beau Webster (3) were quickly bowled by Cameron Gannon (1-21) and Matthew Kelly (1-38) respectively during the middle session.

Contrary to expectations, Test all-rounder Mitch Marsh was not given a ball for 53 overs of the day, with the home side using five bowlers, including the returning Aaron Hardie.

© AAP