The Sheffield Shield's leading run-getter Matthew Wade has taken his strong pre-Christmasform into the second half of the season, helping Tasmania to a position of strength after day two of their match against South Australia at Adelaide Oval.
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Wade hit a sparkling 77 as Tasmania ended the day at 3-238, just 19 runs in arrears of the home side's 257.
Wade's batting was the highlight of a second successive day of sluggish run-scoring, with the 31-year-old hitting nine fours and a six in a 130-ball innings.
An equally important contribution for Tasmania came from a player at the other end of his career with debutant Charlie Wakim impressing to be unbeaten on 79 at the close.
The pair added 134 for the third wicket and it took a sharp leg-side catch from wicketkeeper Harry Nielsen to remove Wade off the bowling of Nick Winter.
Wade now has 648 runs for the season, currently 52 clear of next best Marcus Harris of Victoria.
Tasmania's openers blocked their way through a soporific opening session that produced just 42 runs off 29.2 overs in very hot bowling conditions.
Jordan Silk (33) fell just prior to lunch and Alex Doolan followed just after the interval having scored 25 off 148 balls.
Winter (2-56) returned the best figures for the winless South Australia, with the home side trying eight different bowlers in an attempt to breakthrough.
Australian Associated Press
