Ferguson ton shows value of experience

South Australia batsman Callum Ferguson has launched a timely reminder of his ability to throw his name in the mix for a second coming in the Baggy Green in the wide-open race to be Australia's No.6.

Ferguson finished unbeaten on 182 in the West End Redbacks second innings of their JLT Sheffield Shield clash with Victoria at the MCG.

Ferguson combined with potential Ashes bolter Jake Lehmann (93) for a 212-run stand before the Redbacks declared at 8-370, setting Victoria 348 to win on day four at the MCG.

With national chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns watching on, the 32-year-old plundered 20 fours and a six on the way to the highest score of the Shield season so far.

It was a timely performance from a veteran who earned a Test berth last summer, only to be ditched after the one Test following Australia's disastrous loss to South Africa in Hobart.

That result saw a sea-change in Australian selection, with a heavy focus on youth with Matthew Renshaw and Peter Handscomb having solidified their Test spots since.

And the 32-year-old who boasts more than 7,000 first-class runs to his name in a 13-year career, says experience counts for plenty.

"I'd like to think there's still a lot of opportunities for senior players around the country because we need senior heads playing first-class cricket in Australia so that the young players can learn from those guys," Ferguson said.

"Guys like Cameron White, Ed Cowan, Alex Doolan, George Bailey ... the list goes on. I think there's certainly a huge amount of value in senior guys around the country."

Ferguson was among the leading run-makers in this year's JLT One-Day Cup tournament, with 358 runs in the competition at 44.75, including 169 against WA to guide the Redbacks into the finals.

While playing down his chances of a summer recall, Ferguson said he still dreamed of wearing the Baggy Green again.

"Absolutely, yeah. In our side, with the Redbacks, that's the aim at all times," he said.

"There's a photo of the Baggy Green put up on the big screen at the start of every season at the start of the (team meeting).

"That's the aim for everyone in our squad."

2017-18 International Fixtures

Magellan Ashes Series

First Test Gabba, November 23-27. Buy tickets

Second Test Adelaide Oval, December 2-6 (Day-Night). Buy tickets

Third Test WACA Ground, December 14-18. Buy tickets

Fourth Test MCG, December 26-30. Buy tickets

Fifth Test SCG, January 4-8 (Pink Test). Buy tickets

ODI Series v England

First ODI MCG, January 14. Buy tickets

Second ODI Gabba, January 19. Buy tickets

Third ODI SCG, January 21. Buy tickets

Fourth ODI Adelaide Oval, January 26. Buy tickets

Fifth ODI Perth TBC, January 28. Join the ACF

Prime Minister's XI

PM's XI v England Manuka Oval, February 2. Buy tickets

T20 trans-Tasman Tri-Series

First T20I Australia v NZ, SCG, February 3. Buy tickets

Second T20I – Australia v England, Blundstone Arena, February 7. Buy tickets

Third T20I – Australia v England, MCG, February 10. Buy tickets

Fourth T20I – NZ v England, Wellington, February 14

Fifth T20I – NZ v Australia, Eden Park, February 16

Sixth T20I – NZ v England, Seddon Park, February 18

Final – TBC, Eden Park, February 21