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SA make steady start in Shield clash as WA stars return

Henry Hunt has steered the Redbacks to 1-79 at lunch on day one of their Shield match against WA. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Runaway Sheffield Shield leaders Western Australia have resumed their campaign with the inclusion of big-hitting Marcus Stoinis and veteran batter Shaun Marsh for the first time this season.

Despite the pair's return WA elected to send South Australia in to bat at Adelaide Oval, with the home side advancing steadily to 1-79 at lunch on day one.

Henry Hunt has anchored the innings batting through the session for an unbeaten 30, while No.3 Daniel Drew is 40 not out.

Jake Carder (six) was the only wicket to fall with the opener a victim of a stunning horizontal catch in the slips from Aaron Hardie off the bowling of Charlie Stobo.

South Australia, who are looking to build on their first win of the season in their last outing two months ago, went into the match without four key personnel.

Travis Head and Alex Carey are both in India with Australia's Test team, while paceman David Grant (stress fracture) and long-term opener Jake Weatherald (personal) are also absent.

WA captain Marsh missed the first half of the season with injury, while Stoinis is making his first red ball appearance for the state in nearly three years.

Holders Western Australia are clear at the top of the standings with four wins from six matches, well ahead of second-placed Queensland.

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