Queenslander Martin Love celebrated Valentines Day with a double-century as his state unearthed another pugnacious left hander with a penchant for big scores against South Australia here today.

Love compiled 202 before retiring hurt with a groin complaint as the Bulls amassed 5-503 declared in their first innings in the top of the table Pura Cup clash at Adelaide Oval.

In reply, the Redbacks were 1-133 at stumps on the second day after entering the encounter two points behind the Bulls on the cup table.

Love was superbly supported today by newcomer Brendan Nash, a short, nimble left hander with a yearning for cross bat shots similar to that of the most famous of all Queensland lefties, Allan Border.

Nash recorded his maiden first-class century and then flayed a Redbacks bowling attack which wilted in 38 degree heat before finally being dismissed for 157.

Love and Nash featured in a 296-run partnership for the third wicket - a record for any Queensland pair against SA - that only ended when Love limped injured from the field.

The Bulls veteran came to the crease yesterday after his side lost a wicket on the first ball of the match and departed 521 minutes later with Queensland in complete control at 2-434.

Love's innings was punctuated by majestic strokeplay that returned 21 fours, complemented by some late big hitting from Nash (15 fours, two sixes).

The Redbacks replied with haste on a perfect batting pitch, rattling up their initial 50 in just 45 minutes as opener Ben Johnson cut loose.

But Johnson lost momentum after reaching his half-century - he was dropped on 50 by acting Bulls skipper Jimmy Maher at first slip from Ashley Noffke's bowling and then bowled by Joe Dawes two runs later.

Johnson's fellow opener David Fitzgerald posted his half-century late in the day and was not out 59 at stumps, but SA's hopes again hinge largely on the contribution of acting captain Greg Blewett (17 not out).

© 2002 AAP