Daniel Hughes hits a century

Credit: AAP Images

Daniel Hughes hits a century


NSW Blues batsman Daniel Hughes posted his sixth First Class century, and first of the season, on day one the Marsh Sheffield Shield fixture against South Australia.

After passing fifty for the fourth time this Shield season, Hughes capitalised on Monday posting 103 from 191 balls in 7/294 posted by the Blues.

Edwards (11 not out) and Nathan Lyon, yet to get off the mark, are the unbeaten batsmen at stumps.

Hughes anchored the innings throughout the first two sessions before 20-year-old Matt Gilkes entered the scene with his highest First Class score of 83 from 132 deliveries.

In just his fourth First Class match, Gilkes passed fifty for the first time and showed the potential that the public had seen glimpses of during the Big Bash and Marsh One-Day Cup.

Gilkes hit three explosive sixes during his knock passing his previous best of 30.

Fast bowler Joe Mennie was the leader of the South Australian bowling attack claiming the top four batsmen and finishing with 4/82 from 24 overs.

Seamer Chadd Sayers also did some late damage claiming 3-56.

Hughes, who celebrated his 31st birthday last week, was an integral part of three partnerships in excess of 50 with fellow opener Nick Larkin (22), No. 3 Daniel Solway (27) and Gilkes batting at No. 5.

The opening stand posted 52, Hughes shared a 73-run partnership with Solway, while Gilkes and the centurion added 62 for the fourth wicket.

Blues captain Peter Nevill (26) and Gilkes added a valuable 77 runs for the fifth wicket, however the four wickets lost after Tea to tip the match back onto an even keel.

NSW had gone to Tea at 3/181 after earlier winning the toss and electing to bat first.