Off-spinner Nathan Hauritz scored his maiden first-class century on Wednesday but knows impressing with the ball is the only way he will get back in the Australia side.

Hauritz set a new mark for New South Wales nightwatchmen with an unbeaten 126 on the second day of a one-sided Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia at the SCG. He batted all day to help the Blues build a 129-run lead, but knows all eyes will be on his bowling when the Redbacks' second innings begins.

Left out of the first two Ashes Tests in favour of Xavier Doherty, Hauritz hopes make the side for the third Test in Perth, and said: "Whenever you're dropped you are always looking to perform well. I've been lucky enough to take some wickets (seven in the previous Shield match) and score some runs but the job's only halfway done."

"I've got to bat well tomorrow (Thursday) and bowl well on the last day.

"I was dropped (from the Test team) for not doing my role in the side. I've got to go back to first-class cricket and prove I can do that and restore the faith in the selectors and the captain.

"If you're taking wickets, scoring runs and playing the role they want you're put in their faces."

Asked if he felt he could have aided the Australians as they struggled to take wickets in the first two Tests, Hauritz said: "(I feel) there's always a role for me.

"I feel for the guys. It's very hard (to watch).

"They're great mates and it's been a tough time, especially for the bowling group.

"I know they will bounce back. They are a strong unit."