The wicketkeeper-batsman helped put the Redbacks in command of their Sheffield Shield clash at Adelaide Oval, scoring 125 as the Redbacks eventually declared at 8-482 on Sunday.

In response, the Blues were 4-177 with Test opener David Warner (24) among the early casualties.

Carey continued to press his case to eventually move into the Australian Test team, moving from 86 not out overnight to his fifth first-class century.

With incumbent Australian 'keeper Tim Paine having a disappointing series behind the stumps against India and admitting at the age of 36 he was only looking to the next series, Carey's time may come soon enough.

"I want to be playing as much cricket for Australia as possible and if that means not playing as much first-class cricket than so be it," said Carey, an Australian regular in the shorter forms of the game.

"I feel like the batting and the opportunities I am getting at the international level are helping me come back and play first-class cricket."

Named in the squad for the since-cancelled South African tour, Carey will now get to play a handful of Shield games before pondering his winter options - which may include a UK county stint.

On Sunday, he was ultimately out trying to slog-sweep Test tweaker Nathan Lyon (5-152) over the fence, caught by Josh Hazlewood at mid-on.

Jake Lehmann took up where Carey left off, clubbing an unbeaten 80 off just 85 balls before Chadd Sayers flayed a quickfire 52 not out.

Mitchell Starc's recent form woes continued, the Australian quick with figures of 0-91 from 21 overs.

It's been a rough few months for the strike bowler who sat out the Blues' last match against Victoria after the death of his father.

Across his last seven innings, including the final two Tests against India, he's taken just four wickets at an average of 121.

Australian teammate Josh Hazlewood plugged away with 3-77.

Warner was out caught behind to Carey off the bowling of Daniel Worrall (1-57), seemingly in two minds whether to leave the ball but edging anyway.

Nick Larkin (20), the in-form Moises Henriques (6) and Daniel Solway (11) all fell in the space of 46 runs as the Blues slumped to 4-115 before Kurtis Patterson (86no) dug in until stumps.

David Grant was the pick of the SA bowlers with 2-36, including having Solway caught by man-of-the-moment Carey.

Australian Associated Press