Cartwright rescues Western Australia

Hilton Cartwright thought his season was over in November but his maiden Sheffield Shield century has allowed Western Australia to avoid a critical collapse against South Australia.

With Mitch Marsh on international duties, Cartwright showed why he deserves to be his state's permanent allrounder against the Redbacks at the WACA, scoring his ton after coming to the crease with the Warriors 5-89.

By stumps on day one, they were 8-269 with Cartwright 105 not out and WA looking to win to remain in contention for the final.

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It wasn't easy against good Redbacks bowling from Daniel Worrall (4-68), Joe Mennie (3-53) and Chadd Sayers (0-86) but the 24-year-old showed his class.

It was a nervous wait for his century though.

On 98, he got a single to a ball fielded by Nick Benton but in the process the South Australian paceman dislocated his right shoulder and had to be stretchered from the ground.

"My heart was almost racing more when I was on 98 and I flicked it to him. I thought this was going to be it but then he stopped it and my heart was definitely racing more," Cartwright said.

"I'm obviously not glad he got injured but it was good for me to have that break to settle down and concentrate again. It was then an awesome feeling to bring up the century.

"It's just a massive feeling of relief and joy. It just does a whole lot for your confidence to know you belong in that format."

Cartwright believed a hip injury would end his season in November but he is making the most of his chance to cement his spot after an early return.

"I was pretty gutted at the time but once I found out I would have the back half of the Shield season I got excited and worked really hard to try and get back on the park," Cartwright said.

"Thankfully I got back in the team and now I'm reaping the rewards from working hard earlier."

WA's top order of Test hopeful Cameron Bancroft (14), veteran Michael Klinger (7) and international players Adam Voges (28) and Shaun Marsh (0) failed to fire with Mennie and Worrall the pick of South Australia's bowlers.

They combined to have the Warriors 5-89 when Ashton Turner fell for 18, caught behind by Alex Carey off Worrall before Cartwright led the home side back into the contest.

Worrall finished the day with 4-68 and Mennie 3-53. Chadd Sayers swung the ball and bowled well but has 0-86 from 23 overs.