In Adelaide, an unbeaten century from opener Jamie Cox took Tasmania to 302 for four at the close on the opening day of their match against South Australia.

Cox batted through the day to be 148 not out.

Cox and Michael DiVenuto put together a record 170-run partnership for the second wicket before DiVenuto was bowled by paceman Mark Harrity for 95.

Tearaway speedster Jason Gillespie, seeking full fitness to bowl against England in this summer's Ashes Test series, was the best of the South Australian bowlers, claiming the wickets of Dene Hills and David Boon to finish the day with 2-57.

Day 2:

Miller's outstanding double puts Tasmania in command

ADELAIDE, Australia, Oct 31 (AFP) - Colin Miller, just two days home from Australia's tour of Pakistan, claimed a all-round double to put his Tasmanian side in a strong position against South Australia in the Sheffield Shield here Saturday.

Miller, who made his Test debut at the age of 34 in the Pakistan series, captured 4-39 from 22 overs to follow his score of 60 not out earlier in the day.

South Australia were in deep trouble at 163 for five at the close of the second day in reply to Tasmania's first innings of 460 for nine declared.

Earlier, Jamie Cox reached his highest Shield score of 184 in helping Tasmania post the huge total while Ashes new ball contender Jason Gillespie was South Australia's best bowler with 4-89.

Day 3:

Tasmania hold the upper hand over South Australia in Shield

ADELAIDE, Australia, Nov 1 (AFP) - Tasmania held a commanding 284-run = lead with eight wickets left over South Australia heading into the final day of their Sheffield Shield cricket match here.

An unbroken 121-run partnership between former one-day international Michael DiVenuto (77) and Shaun Young (39) steered the Tasmanians to 138 for two at the close of the third day Sunday.

Earlier, South Australia declared their first innings at 314 for nine, some 146 runs behind Tasmania's first innings 460 for nine declared.

Ben Johnson's 106 edged South Australia past the follow-on mark of 311 while Tasmania's new Test off-spinner Colin Miller took 6-87.

Day 4:

South Australia thwart Tasmania's outright bid in Shield

ADELAIDE, Australia, Nov 2 (AFP) - South Australia fended off Tasmania's bid for an outright victory in their Sheffield Shield cricket match at the Adelaide Oval here Monday.

Geoff Parker (24) and Jason Gillespie (5) saw off the Tasmanian bowlers, led by Test man Colin Miller, to draw their four-day match with David Boon's Tasmanians coming away with two first innings points.

South Australia finished at 159 for six with Parker and Gillespie playing out the final eight overs.

Tasmania declared their second innings at 191 for six early Monday setting South Australia a winning target of 338.

But the home side never mounted a serious challenge, scoring their 159 runs in 84 overs and falling 179 runs short of the target.

The next Sheffield Shield match begins on Wednesday between Victoria and New South Wales in Melbourne.