Victoria 9 for 264 (Sutherland 100, Harris 85) vs South Australia

They were in all sorts of trouble at 4 for 54 and 6 for 137 before Sutherland came to the rescue with the finest knock of his young career. The 22-year-old struck 100 off 168 balls, including nine fours and three sixes, to lift Victoria to 9 for 264 at stumps on day one.

His heroics were all the more surprising given he entered the match with a first-class average of just 14.33 from 21 matches and with a top score of 34 not out.

Sutherland was also left shaken by a big hit to the helmet when he was yet to score. He was given the all clear to continue after an on-field medical assessment, and he gained in confidence the longer his innings went.

South Australia's tactic of bowling short to him soon came unstuck as Sutherland began to unleash a series of lusty blows.

Peter Handscomb, Nic Maddinson and Matt Short all fell cheaply before lunch, while Sam Harper was dismissed after the break to leave Victoria reeling at 5 for 92.

Buckingham finished the day with figures of 3 for 52, while David Grant and Wes Agar also enjoyed success.

Pucovski scored an unbeaten 193 for a Victorian second XI last month in his return from his latest concussion. Although he was dismissed cheaply on Thursday in his first Shield hit-out of the season, he will get another chance to shine in Victoria's second innings.