ADELAIDE, Nov 2 AAP - A sparkling innings from recalled Test batsman Darren Lehmann carried South Australia to 8-246 after 50 overs of its ING Cup match against New South Wales at Adelaide Oval today.

Lehmann, who looked scratchy in the Pura Cup match against NSW last week, top-scored with 83 from 99 balls today, with eight boundaries.

It was a welcome return to form in his last innings before his return to the Australian side for the opening Ashes Test, starting on Thursday in Brisbane.

He was eventually caught at deep mid-on from Nathan Bracken's bowling in the final over of the innings.

Former New South Welshman Mark Higgs was the other main contributor for SA, scoring 45 from just 38 balls.

Higgs was also caught in the deep off Bracken, hitting out in the final overs, after he and Lehmann shared an 86-run stand from 73 balls for the sixth wicket.

Bracken finished with the best figures of 3-49.

Australian strike bowler Glenn McGrath was his normal economical self, with 1-28 from his 10 overs.

But ACB-contracted paceman Stuart Clark was at the other end of the economy scale, conceding 63 runs from his nine overs before being taken out of the attack.

© 2002 AAP

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.