Hunt heads SA fightback after Sangha’s 142

Captain Henry Hunt's unbeaten century has given South Australia a good chance of claiming first-innings points in their home Marsh Sheffield Shield clash with NSW.

After a majestic 142 from captain Jason Sangha steered the Blues to 294, the Redbacks were 5-219 at stumps on day two at Karen Rolton Oval, with Hunt on 107no and Harry Nielsen unbeaten on 51.

After Tasmania's huge win inside two days against Queensland in Hobart, both South Australia and NSW are playing their last game of the season, with the visitors no longer a chance to reach next week's Shield final.

NSW must win and have results go their way in Western Australia's battle with Victoria to earn a spot in the decider.

Hunt's unbeaten ton rescued the Redbacks from a hole at 4-52 as he put on an unbroken 121-run partnership with Nielsen.

SA couldn't find a significant early partnership and quickly found themselves in trouble, with NSW quick Trent Copeland pinching two of the early wickets.

Opener Hunt proved the anchor of the innings and he found help from Thomas Kelly before Tanveer Sangha produced a crucial lbw to dismiss the No.6 batsman for 29 just as the Redbacks looked to be getting back into the game at 5-98.

But Hunt and Nielsen then found their groove and steered the side through the day's final 42 overs.

Earlier, Blues captain Sangha starred as he reached his highest first-class score.

Sangha was in complete command as wickets fell around him; one of just four Blues to make more than seven runs.

Debutant Jordan Buckingham (4-79) led the bowling figures for the hosts, while Brendan Doggett also impressed with three scalps.