Ed Cowan's irrepressible form since the mid-season Sheffield Shield break continued on Wednesday, with the former Test opener lifting NSW to a strong position against South Australia with a third century in four matches.
NSW, who need a win to maintain their faltering push for a spot in the final, ended a successful day two with a 104-run lead over the Redbacks with six wickets in hand.
The Blues batted positively to be 4-333 at the close, having bowled out their rivals for just 229 at the SCG.
Coming in at No.3 as he has done all season, the in-form Cowan batted with confidence throughout the day to end at 125 not out.
Cowan's century lifted his tally since the Shield break to 503 runs at an average of 168.
The 34-year-old sits second on the season's Shield run-scoring tally with 762 runs, 10 runs shy of another veteran George Bailey.
Cowan who played 18 Tests for Australia from 2011-13 remained open-minded about a Test recall.
"I'm the same age group as Shaun Marsh so, if he's not too old, then maybe I'm not too old," Cowan said.
"We'll see, if I keep scoring hundreds ... you never know."
"It's just been nice to contribute again and nice not to waste good form.
"If I've learned one thing opening the batting, it is that you don't muck around with good form because, often you're facing the new ball, and you can be sitting on your arse pretty quickly."
Two returning Blues also made a significant impact on day two - Nic Maddinson and Pat Cummins.
Dropped Test batsman Maddinson, in his first match since a self-imposed break from the game, had the Blues' innings off to a flyer with a hard-hitting 70 off just 60 balls.
There were also half-centuries from Kurtis Patterson (52) and Moises Henriques (54).
Earlier, Cummins collected two quick wickets for his best Shield return of 4-57 in his first match for six years in the competition.
It could have been a maiden five-wicket haul for Cummins, but Trent Copeland spilled a straight-forward catch at first slip.
Callum Ferguson was dismissed for his overnight 75, and only a smart knock of 56 from wicketkeeper Alex Carey pushed the Redbacks beyond 200.
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