Carey's maiden ton puts Redbacks on top

A devastating day two rearguard action led by wicketkeeper Alex Carey has helped South Australia take control of their JLT Sheffield Shield match against Queensland.

The Redbacks' underwhelming defeat to Tasmania last weekend already seems a distant memory with the Bulls teetering in the first Shield match to be played in Cairns.

Carey (139) struck his maiden first-class century and helped put on 162 for the last two wickets with tail-enders Chadd Sayers (46) and David Grant (eight not out) to frustrate the hosts.

At stumps on day two, Queensland were 4-123 still trailing South Australia by 362 runs.

"It was a fantastic feeling to bring that (century) up with a good mate of mine in Chaddy Sayers and hopefully there is a few more to come," said Carey.

"I feel like I have been hitting the ball well throughout (the season).

"With Chaddy batting so well today, it gave me confidence that I didn't have to go too hard.

"I think we have a really good score so that is a pretty good day for us.

"We really need to fight hard and grind out our wickets, but it is not going to be easy."

Only Joe Burns has been able to defy the SA attack, with the former Test opener ending the day unbeaten on 67.

Fellow opener Matthew Renshaw, recently dropped from the Australian Test team, was out in the third over for four.

In-form paceman Sayers knocked over Renshaw and looked dangerous throughout his ten overs in returning 1-30.

Earlier, the Redbacks posted a season-best 485 thanks largely to Carey's efforts.

Carey was the last man out, having resumed on 39 with SA already eight wickets down.

He shared a 117-run stand for the ninth wicket with Sayers, who himself posted a career-best score of 46.